The number of cars in Jomotsangkha town under Samdrupjongkhar Dzongkhag has been on the rise, but ironically, there is no fuel depot there. Our reporter, Kinzang Yeshi, who recently visited the town, says that there are about 70 cars belonging to business people and the civil servants there. Just a few years ago there were only about 10 private cars and one could tell whose car it was.
The number is only going to increase and the residents attribute this good fortune and convenience of getting car loans after the Bhutan development Bank opened its branch in 2010.
Unaware visitors face greater problems comparing to residents who somehow manage to get fuel. A road leading to Lauri Gewog is being constructed and many people come with their cars.
“There are many vehicles and there is no fuel depot, I heard some bring in fuel to sell but don’t know who and where I can get. I heard, it is expensive- a litre petrol costs Nu. 75. It is not available all the time. One has to order in advance to get fuel here so it is a problem. It will be good if the government considers having a fuel depot in this place,” said Dorji Drakpa, a recent visitor.
A local resident, Sonam Rinchen, many people buy fuel from Indian towns. “Some businessman sell diesel but they charge Nu. 5 to 10 extra and petrol, it can go up to Nu. 75 a litre. So we have problem getting fuel for our cars.”
Some of the car owners drive across the border to India along with security escort with other travelers for about 20 kilometres. Some residents refuel when they visit Samdrup Jongkhar, which is more than 170 kilometres.
So if you are driving to Jomotsangkha, the first and foremost thing to remember is to fill your tank up to the brim.
Jomotsangkha town is located south east of the country, sharing border with the Indian states of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
