Samdrup Jongkhar Thromde now has three fuel depots catering to hundreds of vehicles from within the country and those coming from across the border. The State Trading Corporation of Bhutan Limited, STCBL, opened a new fuel depot, yesterday. With an additional depot, residents are hoping traffic congestion and inconveniences caused by motorists lining up to refuel will be eased.
The two old fuel depots are located in the town. Residents say vehicles lining up to refuel cause traffic congestion near the depots. They say the situation worsens when vehicles from across the border come to the fuel stations in the town.
The STCBL’s fuel depot is located three kilometres away from the town. The depot has two underground tanks with a capacity of 35,000 litres of petrol and 45,000 litres of diesel.
Tashi Wangchuk, a resident said, “We get fuel from the other two stations as well. It is just that we have to wait as many Indian vehicles come there. It is faster here. We do not have to wait.”
“Fuel depots in town sometimes are packed and we have to wait. We did not know what to do during emergencies. Since the new fuel depot is located along the highway, I think this will be more convenient,” said Dorji Wangdi, another resident.
The fuel depot will also benefit commuters travelling along the Samdrup Jongkhar – Trashigang highway.
The STCBL has spent around 15-million-ngultrum to set up the fuel depot.
The STCBL now has seven fuel depots in the country and five more are being constructed in Wangdue Phrodang, Bumthang, Haa, and Dagana.
Kinley Wangchuk, Samdrup Jongkhar
Edited by Sangay Chezom
