Residents of Lhamoi Dzingkha Dungkhag in Dagana can now look forward to a more reliable fuel supply. The State Trading Corporation of Bhutan (STCBL) has inaugurated a new fuel retail outlet. With this, the dungkhag now has two fuel stations. The new fuel outlet is expected to improve fuel availability and ease the recurring shortages residents have been experiencing in recent years.
Constructed at a cost of Nu 17 M, the new fuel outlet can store 80,000 litres of petrol and diesel, with dual dispensing units to ensure a reliable fuel supply. The additional fuel station is expected to benefit over 9,000 residents and government officials working in the three gewogs of Lhamoi Dzingkha, Karmaling, and Nichula.
Residents previously had to travel to Dagapela or Phuentshogling when the lone fuel depot ran out of stock. During the monsoon, roadblocks often made these trips difficult and time-consuming.
Nichula Gup Nima Wangchuk Sherpa said, “The Dungkhag is witnessing rapid development with mining activities and crusher plants, and the upcoming Wangchhu hydropower project. The area falls under GMC, and many projects may start in the future, leading to increasing fuel demand. The new fuel station gives consumers options.”
Lhamoi Dzingkha Gup Surja Bdr. Limboo said, “The fuel shortages in the Dungkhag were mainly caused by low tank storage capacity. Heavy mining vehicles consumed large volumes of fuel, often leaving little for local residents. The additional fuel station will help address the problem.”
Senchumthang Tshogpa Nima said,“In the absence of a reliable fuel supply, we had to travel all the way to Phuentshogling just to refuel while some managed from nearby Indian border towns during times of emergencies. With two fuel stations, we are hopeful that we will not face similar problems hereafter.”
Besides serving local residents, the additional fuel depot is also expected to benefit travellers and commercial vehicles travelling to Tsirang and Wangdue Phodrang via the Dagapela-Dalbari highway.
Pema Tshewang, Dagana
Edited by Phub Gyem
