Sectors heads, regional heads, CEOs and managers of various private organizations in Samtse lead by the Dzongda switched to non-subsidized LPG cylinders, yesterday. The move is in line with the citizens’ initiative for the benefit of the rural and unprivileged households in the country.
Among the 38 who signed up for the switch, 21 showed up to the event with their subsidized LPG cylinders. The Samtse Dzongkhag along with the Regional Trade and Industry Office in Phuentshogling initiated the drive. However, across the country, the static supply of subsidized LPG cylinders have not been able to meet the increasing demands.
“For the whole country, we get 700 metric tons which come to about 42,286 cylinders. We already have 168,000 households in the country. Whereas our monthly quota is just 42,286 cylinders. From this, we have to give new connections and the refilling is also done from there. So, there is a shortage and we are unable to meet the demand of the people,” said Pem Bidha, the Regional Director for Regional Trade and Industry Office, Phuentshogling.
For Samtse, the 2017 Population and Housing Census show over 14,500 households, the district, therefore had to manage with close to 2,000 LPG cylinders in May this year.
The trade and industry office now has to ensure that the subsidized LPG cylinders reach the rural households as intended.
“As of now we have stopped new issuance in four major thromdes of Thimphu, Phuentshogling, Gelegphu and Samdrup Jongkhar. This is just to cater to the refilling needs of the people,” the regional director added.
This year, the Damchen Fuel Depot in Samtse saw only five people come forward to surrender their subsidized LPG cylinders until now. About 50 per cent of the total households in Samtse have been issued LPG cylinders by the Regional Trade and Industry Office.
