The fuel consumption in the country during the lockdown saw a drastic drop. According to the Economic Affairs Minister, the consumption was just about 20 per cent of the daily average consumption. It was mainly due to vehicle restrictions.
Fuel is one of the top commodities that are imported in the country. Every year around Nu 8bn is spent on it. According to Economic Affairs Minister Loknath Sharma, the country consumes on an average around 90 kiloliters of petrol and 342 kiloliters of diesel daily. However, with no movement of vehicles except for those on duty, “the daily consumption dropped to 54 kiloliters of diesel and 20 kiloliters of petrol,” Lyonpo said.
In terms of money, around Nu 17 M was saved from the fuel. However, Lyonpo said that the restrictions of movement which has saved a lot of money have also directly impacted the economy.
“When it comes to saving fuel due to lockdown, it is not something that we can be proud of. Fuel consumption was saved but vehicles including trucks could not ply which has an impact on the economy,” Lyonpo added.
Meanwhile, a new fuel depot is expected to be constructed in Monggar for the eastern part of the country.
Tshering Zam
