Bhutan raises fuel prices due to global market surges from the Mideast war, prompting government subsidies and public energy-saving measures.
THIMPHU: The Bhutanese government has increased fuel prices, citing external global market conditions driven by the ongoing war in the Middle East. A statement from the prime minister’s office attributed the hike to a substantial recent increase in worldwide fuel costs.
The landlocked nation imports all its fuel via neighbouring India. This reliance has led to shortages and long queues at filling stations in the capital.
Resident Karma Kalden expressed a sense of helplessness amid the crisis. “It’s not like our government is responsible, they are trying their best despite the war in the Middle East and price hike in India,” she said.
Authorities introduced a fuel subsidy on March 21 to cushion the economic impact on households. Despite this support, pump prices for petrol have risen by more than 60% since the conflict began on February 28.
The price increased from a range of 65-95 ngultrum in February to a new government-subsidised rate. The government has now appealed to the public to help conserve fuel.
It directed all public service agencies to implement measures to reduce consumption. These measures include walking to work, avoiding non-essential travel, and working remotely.
