Beni rice producers block Trinidad–Santa Cruz highway

Rice producers and social organizations in San Pablo, Beni, have initiated an indefinite blockade of the Trinidad–Santa Cruz highway starting Wednesday. The protest aims to demand the repeal of Supreme Decree 5676, which modifies fuel subsidies.

The decree establishes a reference price of 18 bolivianos per liter for large consumers and direct users, while maintaining a price of 9.80 bolivianos for transporters and private individuals. Producers argue that this increase significantly raises production costs for machinery, transport, and essential agricultural services.

Leaders from the Marbán Rice Producers Federation stated that the government failed to respond to a 72-hour ultimatum. They warned that the regulation forces small producers to turn to the black market, where diesel prices often exceed 18 bolivianos per liter. The National Agricultural Confederation (Confeagro) has also joined the call to repeal the decree and allow for the importation and commercialization of fuels to mitigate rising costs.