THIMPU -- With winter creeping in, many Thimphu residents are desperate for fuel. Only there is no briquette and kerosene is rationed.

The briquette machine in Romtokto, which used to supply Thimphu, has broken down and, in-charges say, may take a while to fix. Before it broke down on October 6, it had produced about 215,000 kg of briquettes, which were sold days before winter has reared its icy head.

Meanwhile, scores of people are seen driving to Romtokto only to turn back empty-handed and morose.

"This is the second time I've come here," said Aum Sonam from Changzamtog.

Many have turned to kerosene heaters as an alternative. Kushu Enterprise, the only dealer of Korean kerosene heaters in Thimphu, has run out of stock. As of October 26, 85 people have made advance booking for more than a hundred heaters.

But their frustration does not end there. The ministry of economic affairs has fashioned a new rule that limits home consumption to only 10 litres of kerosene a month. To be eligible, one has to apply for a ration card at the former trade office on production of a valid ID card.

"It does not really benefit anybody," says a frustrated buyer at Thimphu BOD.

Residents from as far as Kabesa and Khasadrapchu turned up but went back.

Economic affairs officials were unavailable for comment.

Tshewang, has been using a kerosene heater for more than four years. "The supply of kerosene is not enough. Ten litres hardly lasts three days.

Tshewang said that he was using electric heaters, which were "very expensive."

With no briquette, and a rationed kerosene supply, this is likely to be the case with many Thimphu residents.