People living in Tsimasham and nearby areas in Chhukha are frustrated over the unreliable and inconvenient distribution of LPG cylinders. Local leaders raised the issue during the recent Dzongkhag Tshogdu, urging authorities to either extend service hours or consider relocating the existing distribution station.
For years, people in Tsimasham and surrounding villages have relied on a single LPG distributor in Tsimasham.
But local leaders say the service is far from sufficient. According to Chapchha Gup, the distributor currently operates for just one hour in the evening, a major inconvenience for residents who travel long distances.
Phub Sithup, Chapchha Gup said, “Currently the service is available only after 4 in the evening. People are saying that they have to visit the station multiple times to get the service. Therefore, people are asking to either extend the service timing or to relocate the existing distribution station.”
However, the manager of the distributing agent said they are doing everything within their means to provide services. He said the proposal to extend the service hour is not feasible as they are also struggling with poor sales and low return. And changing the location is also difficult as they are operating on their land outside the school compound.
Tshering Tobgay, Bhutan Oil Distributor’s manager at Tsimasham said, “Because of the electric stoves these days, our sales have been badly disrupted. From times where we could sell thousands, we can now only sell about 10 cylinders. When it is urgent, I always made a point to provide the service. Also, when people came for cylinders from faraway place, I have served them.”
The local government leaders said the existing distribution station is located near Tsimakha Primary School, with its access route passing through the school compound. This not only causes inconvenience for people accessing the service but also poses serious safety risks to students in the event of unforeseen incidents.
Tashi, Bjabchho Gup said, “From what I have heard, LPG cylinders are as risky as bombs. However, today, cylinders are stored near the school which is very risky, so I think the relevant authorities should look into it. Also, they pointed out about low sales which I think is true because how will it run well when the station is closed almost every time. Most people, therefore, avail themselves of the service from Gedu.”
According to Chapchha Mangmi, the same issue had been raised in previous sessions of Dzongkhag Tshogdu. She stated that since the road to the station passes through the school compound, people can only access the services in the evening, after school hours.
Chapchha Mangmi Lemo said, “The issue has been raised in the past as well. We discussed about the inconveniences due to the route that leads through the school compound. So, it was decided that the agent should either look for an alternate route or to provide the service from another location.”
While the distributor’s representative stated that he lacks the authority to commit to any changes, the Dzongkhag Tshogdu decided to retain the existing weekday schedule. However, the agent is to provide services from 9 AM to 5 PM on weekends, subject to approval from the school management.
Kinley Dem, Chhukha
