The residents of Panbang in Zhemgang are grappling with a shortage of cooking gas for about three months now.
Besides the daily life, the shortage has adversely affected business. In villages, people have resorted to the conventional practice of using firewood.
“With the shortage of cooking gas, we are using firewood,” Pema Sherub said.
“We cannot even depend on electrical appliances since the power supply is erratic, especially in summer. If the situation continues, it would be difficult for us,” Sangay Tshoki said.
“We need to increase the cylinder quota for Panbang Dungkhag to about 1,000 cylinders. This is considering the increase in population and also the people of four gewogs within its administration,” Sangay Penjor said.
The lone LPG supplier of Panbang receives 180 cylinders every month.
“We asked the officials at the depot in Gelegphu about getting refilled cylinders. But they said our yearly quota has decreased. As a result, there is a shortage of LPG cylinders everywhere,” Sangay Lhendup, the LPG Agent of Panbang, said.
For now, the residents are hopeful that the problem will be addressed soon.
