LPG fuel crisis: How to complain if a restaurant charges a LPG surcharge?

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) issued an advisory on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, about the practice of restaurants and hotels in the country levying an additional “LPG charge” over and above the price mentioned on the menu.

Also Read | Fuel crisis highlights: Consumer protection watchdog warns restaurants against levying gas, LPG charge

In an official advisory released by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the CCPA has listed steps to take if you are charged additional fuel-related costs like gas surcharge, fuel cost recovery charge, etc. 

LPG crisis

India is witnessing panic buying across multiple states in the country, owing to the tensions in West Asia and the Iran-Israel war. With the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, oil and LPG supply chains have been disrupted, leading some commercial establishments to pass on rising costs to consumers. The government has clarified that there is no official “energy lockdown” and that the country has strategic reserves to maintain a regular supply.

How to complain if a hotel charges you an additional LPG charge? 

Take the following steps if you encounter extra charges on your bill:

Request immediate removal

Ask the hotel or restaurant manager to remove the charge from the bill. Mention that the CCPA has issued an advisory specifically barring these automatic fuel-related levies. 

National Consumer Helpline (NCH) 

If they refuse to remove the charges, you can lodge a formal complaint via: 

• Call: Dial 1915(Available from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm)

• App: Use the NCH mobile app or the UMANG app.

• WhatsApp: Send a message to +91 8800001915

Online filing (e-Jagriti)

You can file a formal case before the appropriate Consumer Commission through the e-Jagriti portal.

Direct Authorities 

You may also submit a written complaint directly to the District Collector of your area or to the CCPA itself.

Are these extra “LPG charges” similar to service tax?

Any charge for input costs like LPG, electricity, and fuel added by default by an establishment is a violation of the July 4, 2022, service charge guidelines. Hotels are free to set their own prices for the items on the menu, but the prices displayed must be the final price, exclusive of applicable government taxes.

Consumers are not liable to pay any additional charge that is not voluntary.