India, March 25 -- The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) on Wednesday issued a strong warning to hotels and restaurants across India against levying additional charges such as 'LPG charges', 'gas surcharge', and 'fuel cost recovery' on consumer bills, terming them unfair and deceptive.

In an official statement, the authority said it has taken "serious note" of the growing practice among food establishments of adding such extra costs beyond the listed menu prices. The CCPA clarified that these charges violate provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

According to the regulator, businesses are only permitted to charge the price displayed on the menu along with applicable taxes. Any additional, undisclosed charges imposed...