Strengthening energy security ties further, India-funded petroleum depot opened in Bhutan
The development of Garmani Eastern Petroleum Oil Lubricants Depot (POL) in Monggar, funded by India was inaugurated taken up as an India-Bhutan friendship project under Trade Facility Support
- THIMPHU — Bhutan's Minister for Industry, Commerce, and Employment Lyonpo
Namgyal Dorji on Tuesday inaugurated a project funded by India that will further
strengthen energy security and distribution in the land-locked country.
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- The development of Garmani Eastern Petroleum Oil
Lubricants Depot (POL) in Monggar, which was inaugurated by Dorji, was taken up
as an India-Bhutan friendship project under Trade Facility Support (TFS), the
India Embassy in Thimphu posted on X.
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- The milestone project, which cost 324.684 million
Bhutanese Ngultrum, reflects meticulous planning, dedicated efforts, and a
significant step forward in ensuring reliable fuel supply to Bhutan.
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- The newly-built residential and emergency infrastructure
will significantly improve the capacity to storage and distribution of fuel and
LPG, ensuring preparedness for natural disasters and emergencies, detailed
Bhutan's Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment.
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- "This facility stands as a testament to progress,
resilience, and a collective commitment to the well-being of communities in the
region and neighbouring Dzongkhags," the ministry stated.
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- The Indian Cabinet gave its approval for the signing of a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Bhutan on the general
supply of Petroleum, Oil, Lubricants (POL) and related products from India to
Bhutan ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Bhutan in 2024.
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- The MoU emphasised promoting bilateral trade in the
hydrocarbon sector and ensuring a secured and long-term supply of petroleum
products to Bhutan. It not only gave thrust towards a self-reliant India since
exports play a crucial role in realising an Aatmanirbhar Bharat, but also
improved economic and commercial linkages with Bhutan irrespective of any
gender, class, or income bias, particularly in the area of hydrocarbon sector.
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- During his landmark visit, PM Modi also received the
Order of the Druk Gyalpo, Bhutan's highest civilian decoration, from the King
of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. The award was in recognition of Prime
Minister Modi's outstanding contribution to strengthening the India-Bhutan
friendship. The Indian PM was also the first foreign national to be conferred
the prestigious award.
