Instances of fuel outage in Tsirang are expected to be minimised with the opening of a new fuel depot. Until now, the district had only one fuel station and people faced inconveniences when it ran out of fuel. The new facility opened yesterday will also benefit the people travelling along the Sarpang-Wangdue Phodrang Highway.
The fuel retail outlet run by the State Trading Corporation of Bhutan or STCBL is located near the Forest Checkpoint towards Sarpang from Damphu town. It has two underground tanks each with a capacity of 35,000 litres of petrol and 45,000 litres of diesel. The outlet has six dispensing units and services will be available from six in the morning till 10 pm every day.
“It has been a problem for us when the lone fuel depot runs out of fuel even when we get passengers. As a result, it affects our business,” said Suk Bir Tamang, a taxi driver.
“Before we had to rely only on one fuel depot. But now we have an alternative. This would help provide a reliable fuel supply in the district,” said Yeshi Dorji, another taxi driver.
The facility is aimed at catering reliable and timely refuelling services for both the residents of Tsirang and commuters travelling along the highway. Hundreds of vehicles travel along the Sarpang-Wangdue Phodrang Highway daily via Tsirang.
The STCBL has spent around Nu 18 M on the project. The outlet will also sell lubricants.
“All dispensing units are fully automatic and it is all state-of-the-art technology. We have to maintain quality and then people should get what they have paid for,” said Sugan Pradhan, general manager of the Petroleum Division, STCBL.
The STCBL is also constructing four other fuel retail outlets in Chhumey in Bumthang, Nobding in Wangdue Phodrang, Samdrup Jongkhar and Samtse.
Another outlet will be built at Tseza Gewog in Dagana soon which is expected to become operational by early next year according to the company.
Pema Tshewang, Tsirang
Edited by Kipchu
