By Phub W. Dorji Let me begin with what should be an uncontroversial observation: the debate triggered by Dr. Ahmad’s article in The Bhutanese last week, is not really about GST. It is about something deeper — the growing distance between how our economic policies are designed and how ordinary …

There can be no doubt about the sincerity and good intentions of the two Governments, the Ministry of Finance, Department of Revenue and Customs and the GST project team in introducing the GST. These are patriotic and dutiful Bhutanese public servants working very hard to make GST a success so …

By Simon Johnson and Amir Kermani WASHINGTON, DC/BERKELEY—The closure of the Strait of Hormuz is having devastating consequences worldwide. The price of oil is up sharply, liquefied natural gas has become much more expensive in key markets, the cost of fertilizer is likely to remain high throughout the planting season, …

The current fuel shock and huge fuel subsidies of Nu 1.3 bn a month will hit Bhutan’s finances hard. It exposes in many ways the economic fragility of Bhutan and also areas where we can improve on. For a long time, Bhutan enjoyed cheap fuels prices from April 2023, in …

By Dr. Haqnawaz Ahmad Bhutan has always taken pride in pursuing economic policies that balance revenue needs with social well-being but the recent rollout of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) has triggered a question many ordinary citizens are now asking in tea shops, markets, and homes: is this policy …

By Brahma Chellaney NEW DELHI—In a rambling address to the American people on April 1, US President Donald Trump claimed that the US war against Iran has been a success, vowing to “finish the job … very fast.” It was a statement in obvious conflict with the facts. Trump is …

The government’s decision to subsidise diesel under the National Fuel Price Smoothening Framework (NFPSF) comes as both a relief and a warning. Relief, because soaring global fuel prices, driven by geopolitical tensions are already pushing up the cost of living. Warning, because such relief comes at a steep and unsustainable …

By Helen Clark AUCKLAND – The US-Israeli war on Iran has already destabilized the global economy and the geopolitics of the Middle East. Even more alarming, recent reporting suggests that US President Donald Trump is considering deploying ground troops, a prospect that immediately evokes memories of past failed interventions – …

By Bram Govaerts, Sharon Burke MEXICO CITY/ WASHINGTON, DC – Since the start of the US-Israeli campaign against Iran, only a handful of the 100 vessels that once transited the Strait of Hormuz each day have managed to pass through. Now, with Iran reportedly laying sea mines in the narrow …

Bhutan’s latest fuel price shock has triggered both public anger and legitimate questions. When diesel in Bhutan becomes more expensive than in India, despite being sourced from there, it naturally raises suspicions. However, as the evidence shows, the reality is more complex, and uncomfortable in equal measure for both the …