Fuel stations in Phuentshogling have been running short of diesel for the last few days. This has left several vehicles stranded and has also affected the construction works in the town. A few officials in the fuel depots said although they have been receiving fuel almost every day, shortage in other depots incurred more pressure on them. However, fuel depots started receiving trucks carrying diesel earlier this evening.
The four fuel depots in Phuentshogling town ran out of diesel today. Officials at the fuel depots say delays in payment to their Indian counterparts have led to the shortage.
On the other hand, some officials said they imported fuel from India in the past days, but high demand has led to the shortage.
Meanwhile, the people said they have been unable to get diesel from these depots for about four days now.
“We come here and take cement to Paro and Thimphu. This time, due to the shortage of fuel, I have been stranded here for about four days. We have no fuel in the vehicle and the vehicle cannot even start. No BoDs here have fuel, and we are facing a lot of problems,” said Dawa Gyeltshen, a driver.
“When the fuel price was high, there was no such issue. Now after the price decreased, we were hoping to work harder, but in a situation like this, it is difficult for us. We are working hard to pay back our loans but with this kind of situation, we have not been able to get fuel for about two or three days,” said Namgay, another driver.
Similarly, contractors said they had to pause their work after they could not get diesel fuel.
“Considering the weather conditions, we were gearing up for our construction work. We brought in many labourers. For example, in blacktopping works, we pay the labourers Nu 1,000 and we have to pay them every day irrespective of whether they are working or not. Also, we have to complete our work on time as per the contract signed with the government,” said Jigme Nidup, a contractor.
Officials of the fuel depot said aside from the delay in payments, the depots also saw an increasing demand for fuel after the price dropped recently.
Some depots have started importing more fuel compared to what they purchased earlier to meet the demand.
Officials at all the fuel depots said they are getting diesel by evening today.
Kinley Dem, Phuentshogling
Edited by Sherub Dorji
