BUSINESS

Finance Minister highlights risks to economic outlook

Finance Minister Lyonpo Lekey Dorji said rising geopolitical tensions pose a risk to the country’s economic outlook. He noted that Bhutan’s heavy reliance on imported fuel makes it vulnerable to global price swings, which could drive up inflation, increase transport costs, and put pressure on government finances and the broader …

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Lyonpo Namgyal Dorji addresses access to information and media support

MoICE Minister Lyonpo Namgyal Dorji addressed recent concerns regarding the cancellation of a private newspaper’s license, clarifying that the decision was strictly procedural. The license expired on 30th October 2025, and despite the full 120-day renewal window, including grace and penalty periods, and multiple reminders, the required documents were not …

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Govt may go for 3rd operator if BT does not relent

A quiet tug of war has been unfolding between the government and Bhutan Telecom (BT) over the mobile data price reduction since 27th February 2025, when the Cabinet approved the internet cost reduction strategy. The directive called for a 50 percent reduction in mobile data prices for packages ranging from …

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Chamkharchhu-II project under study with GMR

The 590 MW Chamkharchhu-II project has been identified for implementation in partnership with an Indian multinational infrastructure conglomerate, GMR Group, with detailed investigations and studies expected to be completed by the end of 2027. Based on the techno-economic viability determined through these studies, Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) and GMR …

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RMA and NLCS launches system for better collateral verification

The Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan (RMA) in close collaboration with the National Land Commission Secretariat (NLCS)  officially launched the Integrated Collateral Management System (iCoMS), a national platform designed to improve collateral verification, strengthen financial integrity, and enhance public service delivery through a unified digital architecture on 17th March. The …

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Government plans new EV strategy amid fuel price uncertainty

Bhutan is accelerating its shift towards electric mobility as fuel prices hit record highs, exposing the country’s continued vulnerability to imported petroleum and global market volatility. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MoIT) confirmed that it is currently developing a comprehensive Electric Vehicle (EV) Strategy to guide the country’s transition, …

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No transport fare hikes yet as oil prices start to surge

Despite the rising cost of global oil prices, public transport fares and delivery rates remain unchanged. The Bhutan Construction and Transport Authority (BCTA) reports that the current price fluctuations are not yet abnormal enough to trigger a formal revision. Chief Program Officer at BCTA, Tshongdu,  said, “Currently, all the rates …

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Police await postmortem report after newborn death case

Police are awaiting a postmortem report after the body of a newborn infant was discovered inside a plastic bag at the Hongkong Market waste disposal area on the morning of 9th March 2026. The shocking discovery was made around 10 am by waste collectors who were carrying out their routine …

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GST and public anger

Though the GST is an important tax there has been a largely negative reaction to the GST in the backdrop of land tax in the past, the economy still recovering, especially for the private sector, rising cost of living, and lack of customers for businesses as many Bhutanese head abroad. …

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