Local leaders in Trashigang have unanimously decided to write to Tashi Oil Distributor, requesting the company to resume round-the-clock refuelling service at the Pam fuel depot. Local leaders said that as the depot is strategically located along the route connecting four eastern districts, it would make refuelling convenient for travellers if it operated 24 hours a day.
Tashi Oil Distributor’s fuel depot at Pam in Trashigang currently operates from 6 AM to 10 PM.
Beyond these hours, the depot provides refuelling service only to vehicles travelling for emergencies.
Locals want the service extended to all commuters.
Local leaders raised the issue during the Dzongkhag Tshogdu.
They also raised concerns over the shortage of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders at the depot.
Local leaders claimed that LPG cylinders are often supplied to agents, forcing people to buy from them at higher prices.
Samkhar Gup Jamyang said, “Not just people from Trashigang, but those from Tashi Yangtse, Monggar, and Samdrup Jongkhar also travel along this route. When the fuel depot closes at 10 pm, there is no place for motorists to refuel their vehicles. This results in inconvenience for commuters, especially during emergencies.”
“When we purchase LPG from the fuel depot, it costs Nu 1,045. However, when we buy it from agents, we have to pay Nu 1,300 to 1,400. The public has raised concerns over the price difference and requested us to address the issue with the relevant agencies. We are raising it in the Tshogdu, hoping the issue will be resolved,” said Yigay Dorji, Thrimshing Gup.
Bidung Gup Chador Phuntsho said, “When it comes to LPG supply, I found that our people are not receiving equal and adequate supply. Some quantities are taken by agents, and when the public reaches the fuel depot to collect LPG, they are often unable to get it.”
The Dzongkhag Tshogdu agreed to write a letter to Tashi Oil Distributor Private Limited.
Meanwhile, an official from Tashi Oil Distributor said the company discontinued the 24-hour refuelling service around two years ago due to low turnover.
He said the depot has continued to provide refuelling service to genuine emergency vehicles even after regular operating hours.
The official added that the company cannot provide regular refuelling services beyond the operating hours due to additional overtime costs for staff and security concerns.
He added that the company will discuss the matter once it receives a formal letter from the Dzongkhag Tshogdu.
Regarding the LPG cylinder, the Monggar Regional Office of Industry, Commerce and Employment said the LPG price charged by agents must be fixed by the local government in accordance with the Trade and Industry Rules and Regulations 2023.
However, the office said it will coordinate with the local government to resolve the pricing issue.
Trashigang currently has nine active licensed LPG distributor agents.
Sonam Darjay, Trashigang
Edited by Phub Gyem
