When there is shortage of fossil fuel (diesel and petrol), our authorities know how well to ration it. They will turn down even farmers who left their tillers in the fields, and turn up at fuel stations with jerry cans, for a refill and to complete the day’s work.

It became so strict that farmers in gumboots and hats started arguing with officials at fuel stations,not so long ago. If this simple yet effective strategy can be replicated at fuel stations along the border, we could prevent the current issue of fuel deflection and shortage.

Vehicles and petty businesses from across the border know how gullible we are. Fuel imported from India is cheaper in Bhutan than in India because of subsidies and the difference in taxation system. Therefore, they refurbish the vehicle’s fuel tank, carry barrels or jerry cans and buy as much as they can. Some small businesses across the border thrive on it.

The fuel issue in Samdrupjongkhar is nothing new. It happens in several fuel stations in the bordering dzongkhags. In Samtse, it became a Dzongkhag Tshogdu agenda where people’s representatives called for government intervention. Given the close and friendly relations between the people living along the borders, we cannot stop Indian vehicles fueling at the stations outright.

What we can control is taking advantage of the cheaper price in Bhutan or not letting them start a business from the difference and have no fuel when needed. There are check posts at every entry and exit point along the border. It will not be difficult to monitor the movement of vehicles with Indian numbers.  If drivers are driving to refuel, it is not an issue. When they deflect the imported fuel, it has to be stopped.

At the fuel stations, some extra monitoring mechanisms could help solve the problem. Why would a truck or a car come to fuel three or five times a day? A full-tank of petrol or diesel would mean the vehicle could travel at least 400 kilometres from Samdrupjongkhar. If they come for refueling on the same day or the next, there is something fishy.

Recording the registration number of the vehicles and the amount of fuel dispensed could easily make out if they are selling it. Why should, if there is shortage, let people openly buy fuel in drums and jerrycans?

The bordering town of Samdrupjongkhar, business people say, has not recovered from the impact of the pandemic. While tourism has a potential with Indians coming to experience the serene hills or escape the heat, it has not picked up. Many say there are no initiatives from the government to fuel growth in the once bustling border town.

If the visitors are only locals from across the border to refuel their bikes and cars or for selling it back across the border, it is an added problem without fueling any growth, but caising congestion and shortage instead.

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