Up to 170 tonnes of cardamom found stockpiled in Ctg warehouse

The Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection (DNCRP) has found 160–170 tonnes of cardamom belonging to several businesses stored in a warehouse in Khatunganj, Chattogram, raising concerns over stockpiling and possible price manipulation.

The findings emerged during a drive conducted by the DNCRP’s Chattogram divisional office yesterday (15 October). One company had sold only 0.5 tonnes of the 15 tonnes of cardamom it stockpiled nearly 11 months ago, while another showed receipts for selling 30 tonnes without delivering the products.

Hossain Corporation was fined Tk50,000 for allegedly withholding cardamom to create an artificial shortage and drive up prices. Arafat Trading was fined a further Tk40,000 after officials found that the original sacks of imported cumin stored in the same warehouse did not carry manufacturing and expiry dates.

According to the DNCRP, Hossain Corporation stockpiled 15 tonnes of cardamom at Bimal Babu’s warehouse in Khatunganj in November 2025. The company has sold only 0.5 tonnes so far, leaving 14.5 tonnes in storage, with the products’ expiry dates approaching.

The directorate said the company had attempted to create an artificial shortage and increase prices by withholding the product from the market.

Officials also found that Prime Trading had stockpiled 47 tonnes of cardamom at the warehouse in stages over the past two months.

Although the company presented receipts showing sales of 30 tonnes of cardamom during the period, the products had not been delivered, the directorate said. Verification of the sales receipts also revealed instances of price increases at different stages, it added.

Prime Trading has been asked to appear at the DNCRP office next Sunday with purchase records, vouchers, and other relevant documents to explain the transactions and allow officials to verify the purchase prices and related records.

The directorate said further legal action would be taken after reviewing the company’s explanation and documents.

During the drive, traders were instructed to refrain from unreasonable stockpiling, creating artificial shortages, and obstructing the supply of goods. Officials also warned businesses to display updated price lists in visible locations and ensure accurate weights and measurements.

The DNCRP said monitoring would continue to ensure fair prices and normal market supply.