The fuel depot in Langthil Gewog in Trongsa is finally expected to be ready by end of next month. It’s been a long wait but locals are happy that it’s finally coming through.
The fuel depot is located in Dangdung near the Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Project Authority’s colony.
The construction works, which is still ongoing, is being carried out by the Druk Petroleum Corporation Limited and India’s Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited.
The land to construct the depot was handed over to the Druk Petroleum Corporation Limited some two years ago. However, the construction works began only in first week of this month.
“The principal company and the dealer company saw that the business is not going to be viable and that returns on the investment would be recovered only after 20 to 30 years,” said Aiman Mahat, the Regional Trade Director in Trongsa.
“Considering all the factors and when business was deemed to incur loss, they were very reluctant to begin with construction work on time.”
Lack of water and power supply was another hindrance.
Once the depot opens, the residents of Langthil Gewog will not have to travel long distances for fuel and LPG refills.
At present, they travel either to Trongsa town or Zhemgang for the service.
“It would save us both time and cost as we will not have to travel 53 kilometres away to refill our vehicles and LPG cylinders,” Langthil Gup Sonam Dendup said.
“There were instances where our vehicle fuel got exhausted on the way, leaving us stranded,” he added.
Officials from Druk Petroleum Corporation Limited as well as India’s Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited assured that they will be able to open the depot in about a month’s time.
