Most of the truckers ferrying gypsum from Pema Gatshel to Samdrup Jongkhar resumed the transportation of gypsum. This is because the State Mining Corporation Limited has increased the transportation rate recently. The rate was revised after the truckers stopped transporting the mineral since the 19th of this month due to a fuel price hike.
The corporation issued a notification on Friday revising the rate from Nu 964 to Nu 984 per metric ton.
However, some of the truckers are not happy with the revised rate. One of the truckers told BBS that although the company has increased Nu 20 per metric ton, it is still not sufficient as they have to spend more than Nu 10,000 on fuel every day.
The SMCL stated in the notification that the company, as per the contract agreement, will terminate the contract with the truckers or truck owners if they are still unhappy with the revised amount.
Last week, truckers stopped ferrying gypsum to Samdrup Jongkhar after the company refused to revise the rate.
According to truckers, they have signed an agreement whereby the company has to increase the transportation rate if the fuel price increases.
Currently, over 100 truckers are working at Khothakpa Gypsum Mine in Pema Gatshel.
Kelzang Choden
Edited by Tshering Zam
