People in Trashigang are concerned about the shortage of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) at the Bhutan Oil Corporation depot. The supply of LPG in the district stopped about three weeks ago.
The Bhutan Oil Corporation depot in Trashigang has only empty gas cylinders for now. People visiting the depot to refill their cylinders have to return in frustration everytime.
The depot received the last truckload of LPG on the 16th of last month.
While the shortage is affecting everyone, hoteliers find themselves affected the most.
“We are running short of both the subsidised and non-subsidised LPG. If I finish my current cylinder then I have to close down my restaurant. It was not like this before,” said Tshering Dorji, a restaurateur in Trashigang.
“I don’t have any cylinders in stock. I am using the last one which might last a day or two. There is no stock at the BOD, We have been asking them but they say it will reach soon every time. Like me, most of the hoteliers are facing the same problem,” added Dechen Pelden, also a restaurateur.
According to the Sr. Administrative Officer of the Bhutan Oil Corporation, the break in the supply chain is due to the frequent increase in the fuel price. He said transporters are refusing to ferry LPG cylinders on the current transportation charges revised recently by the Department of Trade.
However, he said Trashigang and Monggar will receive a truckload of LPG cylinders in the evening today.
The LPG shortage is also reported in other eastern districts of Lhuentse, Monggar and Trashi Yangtse.
Sonam Darjay, Trashigang
Edited by Sonam
