Despite closing all points of entry in the country from today onwards, the Foreign Minister assured the supply of goods in the market will not be affected.
“All necessities like medicines, fuel, food, and all the goods that we have been getting in the market so far will all be coming in as usual. There is no issue related to this matter. And we have also deputed relevant officials to monitor the smooth flow of goods in the market as well,” said Dr Tandi Dorji, the Foreign Minister.
He also added all the goods will be brought in via Indian trucks to the designated mini dry port in Phuentshogling, Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar. Once in Bhutan, the driver will not be allowed to come out of the truck. All the goods will then be disinfected thoroughly and then only loaded in the Bhutanese trucks for further transportation.
Moreover, Lyonpo said the government is in constant touch with the Government of India on this matter and reminded the general public that panic-buying, hiking prices of essential commodities and hoarding goods during such a situation will not be tolerated.
“Hearing the border gates will be closed from today, people have started to hoard goods and I feel people do not have to do this. Moreover, the Ministry of Economic Affairs has now circulated a notification stating, if found to be hoarding goods and hiking prices of essential commodities, they will be severely dealt with the laws of the country,” Lyonpo added.
He also urged everyone to ask for bill receipt once purchasing goods from various shops. Moreover, people can lodge a complaint with the Office of the Consumer Protection at the toll-free number 1214 on issues related to shops charging exorbitant prices for goods.
Likewise, the Economic Affairs Minister, Loknath Sharma has also personally visited retailers, wholesalers and people in Thimphu to understand the situation on the ground. During the visit, Lyonpo assured that the government has planned supplies for 3 to 6 months based on how the COVID-19 situation evolves.
Passang Dorji
