Restaurants Cannot Charge Extra for Gas Shortage, Says Consumer Authority
Pune, 28th March 2026: Some restaurant owners in the city have reportedly started charging customers additional fees citing a gas shortage, with a few even mentioning these charges on printed bills. The practice has triggered complaints from consumers and prompted action from authorities.
Following multiple complaints and concerns raised on social media, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) in New Delhi has taken note of the issue and issued strict guidelines to restaurant operators across the country.
The shortage reportedly arose amid tensions in the Gulf region, which led to restrictions affecting the availability and use of domestic and commercial gas cylinders. Taking advantage of the situation, some eateries allegedly began levying extra charges on customers.
CCPA Chief Commissioner Nidhi Khare has directed that restaurants must not impose any additional charges on customers under the pretext of a gas shortage. The authority stated that mentioning such charges on bills or menu cards will be treated as an unfair trade practice.
The guidelines apply to all food establishments, including hotels, restaurants and bars. The CCPA emphasized that directly or indirectly profiting from such shortages violates consumer rights.
Welcoming the move, Advocate Gyanraj Sant, Vice President of the Pune District Consumer Advocates Association, said that charging extra fees citing a gas shortage amounts to an unfair trade practice and goes against consumer interests.
