The Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority (CCAA) and the Department of Revenue and Customs (DRC) have initiated coordinated efforts to prevent price gouging, hoarding, and market manipulation of excisable goods ahead of the Goods & Services Tax (GST) Act implementation in January 2026. Joint inspections and verification will continue in the coming weeks.
The CCAA received 74 consumer complaints in October 2025, including 56 individual grievances and 18 general complaints related to unfair trade practices affecting the wider public.
According to CCAA’s monthly update, 15 cases have been successfully resolved, while 59 remain under investigation. Alarmingly, 44 complaints were linked to fraudulent crypto mining and trading schemes, underscoring the rapid rise of digital financial scams across the country.
An official from the CCAA said, “We are seeing an increasing number of consumers being lured by high-return crypto schemes. Many of these platforms operate without proper registration or verification.”
As part of dispute resolutions, the Authority facilitated refunds totaling Nu 1,162,278 to four affected consumers. Additionally, fines amounting to Nu 40,500 were imposed, including Nu 30,000 on a fuel retail outlet for selling fuel through uncalibrated dispensing equipment, and; Nu 10,500 on businesses in Thimphu for failing to display price tags.
The official noted, “Non-compliance with basic standards like calibration and price display directly harms consumers. These penalties serve as an important deterrent.”
To ensure fair market practices, CCAA inspectors monitored 111 business entities in Tsirang; 110 businesses in Dagana, including fuel outlets, and; 460 vendors in Thimphu, including the Kaja Throm and Authentic Bhutanese Crafts (ABC) Market.
Inspections focused on price display compliance, proper labeling, calibrated weighing scales, and issuance of receipts.
Testing by the Bhutan Standards Bureau confirmed underfilled edible oil products (5L and 3L) under the brands First Choice, Blue Poppy, and Bengal Gold. Businesses have been instructed to correct labeling and packaging, with corrected stock permitted for sale only until December 31, 2025.
Consumer rights awareness programs in Tsirang and Dagana reached 1,341 participants, including 307 business operators. A detailed advocacy report will be released soon.
A senior official from the authority reiterated, “Raising public awareness is essential. When consumers understand their rights, enforcement becomes stronger and more effective.”
The CCAA continues regular regional field visits to engage local stakeholders and understand ground-level challenges in implementing consumer and competition laws.
New Terms & Conditions for air ticketing agents were released on October 30 following consultations with industry representatives. The guidelines aim to promote ethical and transparent services in the aviation sector.
On October 31, inspections at the ABC Market found full compliance with price display and receipt requirements. The initiative also aims to curb the sale of imported items misrepresented as locally produced.
Meanwhile, a recent CCAA study revealed uniform pricing among Thimphu’s meat vendors, suggesting limited market competition despite earlier interventions.
An official from the Authority noted, “Uniform pricing often signals market coordination rather than healthy competition. Strengthened legislation and empowered consumers are key to improving market dynamics.”
As complaints rise and market complexities grow, CCAA continues to call for proactive consumer vigilance and stronger business accountability across all sectors.
Tashi Namgyal
From Thimphu
