𝐅𝐮𝐞𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐏𝐆 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐇𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐓𝐬𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐳𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐤𝐡𝐚𝐠

…𝒍𝒐𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒔𝒂𝒚 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒔 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒓𝒖𝒑𝒕 𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒊𝒄𝒆𝒔, 𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒔𝒕𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒏 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒔

By Kezang Choden

Tsirang Dzongkhag has been facing a prolonged shortage of fuel and LPG cylinders, creating widespread difficulties for both government institutions and residents. The shortage has reached a point where local leaders and citizens are calling on the government for urgent intervention. The persistent scarcity at Druk Petroleum Corporation’s fuel depot in Damphu town, despite Tsirang’s proximity to Gelephu, has disrupted services across sectors. The depot frequently runs out of petrol, diesel and LPG, leaving communities in distress.

The impact has been particularly visible in the functioning of gewog pool vehicles and boleros, which play a crucial role in delivering services to rural areas. These vehicles are often left idle due to lack of fuel, affecting essential services in education, health and local governance. In some cases, officials have had no choice but to use their personal vehicles to carry out official duties. Residents, meanwhile, are enduring long queues for LPG cylinders. Many rush to the depot whenever a limited supply arrives, with no assurance of being able to obtain one.

During the recent Dzongkhag Tshogdu, members unanimously raised the urgency of the situation and resolved to submit a formal appeal to the government. They stressed the need for both immediate action and long-term measures to stabilize supplies. Depot officials explained that the shortage is linked to new tax policies in India and supply chain delays, which have disrupted the flow of petroleum products into Bhutan. While they assured that efforts are being made to ease the shortages, they admitted the problem cannot be resolved without stronger government intervention.
Beda Moni Chamlagai, Gup of Kilkhorthang Gewog and Chairperson of the Dzongkhag Tshogdu, said the problem has persisted for several years despite repeated deliberations. “The matter has been deliberated numerous times in the Dzongkhag Tshogdu and taken up with the Trade Office and the Dzongdag, yet the problem continues, leaving both government and public vehicles struggling to access timely services,” he said.

He added that the approval of private LPG distributors by the Trade Office has created further complications. Gewogs have been directed to accept their supplies, but according to him, this was never a sustainable solution. “People end up paying higher prices, and citizens do not fully enjoy the government’s subsidies meant to ease household expenses,” he said.

The establishment of the State Trading Corporation of Bhutan Limited (STCBL) fuel station near the Tsirang Court has provided some relief since last year. However, overcrowding at the station has become a new challenge. Residents queue for long hours, and many still return without fuel. The Chairperson said he intends to request the government to authorize LPG distribution from the STCBL depot as well, which he believes could ease public burden. He reiterated that uninterrupted access to fuel and LPG is essential not only for households but also for ensuring gewog vehicles and services function without disruption.

In Tsirangtoe Gewog, 315 households are among the hardest hit. According to Gup Nanda Lal Kharel, the situation has become a major concern. “People spend time and money to reach the depot, but often they have to come back without the essential supplies. It is becoming a major challenge for families,” he said. Residents are compelled to travel 27 kilometers to Damphu depot in search of fuel and LPG, but many return empty-handed despite incurring high transportation costs.

The shortage has raised fears about emergency response capacity. “If such a shortage continues, there is a high chance of not being able to take emergency cases to the hospital on time. Even gewog vehicles, which play a vital role in serving the people, will be left helpless,” Gup Nanda Lal Kharel warned. Farmers are also finding it increasingly difficult to transport their produce to markets, threatening their livelihoods.

Depot officials said that when fuel runs out at Damphu, pool vehicles are redirected to the STCBL depot to avoid complete disruption. On LPG distribution, they explained that about 1,400 cylinders are refilled each month, with households allowed one per month to ensure fairness. Despite this system, demand exceeds supply. They recalled that the issue of allowing STCBL to distribute LPG was raised at the Dzongkhag Tshogdu last year to reduce household difficulties. Plans are now being made to increase the depot’s fuel reserve capacity, which would help during emergencies.

Private suppliers have also been helping to fill the gap. Sunil Thapa, one of them, delivers LPG cylinders after refilling them from Gelephu, transporting up to 90 cylinders per trip. A large share goes to hoteliers who depend on timely supplies. “I normally deliver the cylinders as per their orders to the designated spot, and customers are asked to collect them from there,” he said. For households located at greater distances, he provides additional delivery services. “If the delivery point is more than 20 kilometers away, customers have to pay Nu 20 extra as transportation charges,” he explained. Despite logistical difficulties, he continues to provide door-to-door service for a minimal fee.

Business owners say private suppliers provide some relief but at an additional cost. Manju Subba, a hotel owner in Damphu, said shortages of both LPG and fuel have become disruptive. “For smooth hotel operations and to provide timely services to customers, we rely heavily on LPG cylinders. Even if we pay a little extra to the private agents, at least the supply is on time, and that matters more for us,” she said. She added that unreliable fuel supply has increased transportation expenses for hotels and other businesses. According to her, a long-term solution from the authorities is urgently needed.

The Chairperson of the Dzongkhag Tshogdu reiterated his concern, stressing that residents often travel nearly 90 kilometers to Gelephu to access fuel and LPG. This, he said, places an immense burden on people. He emphasized that effective government intervention would benefit all 12 gewogs under Tsirang Dzongkhag by ensuring uninterrupted services and easing the daily struggles of households. Local leaders and residents alike believe that without timely measures, the shortages will continue to undermine health, education, businesses and livelihoods across the dzongkhag.