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Bolivia diesel price decree sparks protests and military deployment FAST-MOVING
Bolivia is facing significant social and economic tension following the implementation of Supreme Decree 5676, which raises the price of diesel to 18 bolivianos per liter for large and industrial consumers. President Rodrigo Paz has defended the measure, stating that while the decree can be improved, it will not be repealed because the state cannot continue to subsidize fuel at the expense of other essential services like health and education.
Government officials, including Minister Fernando Aramayo, have clarified that the removal of the subsidy is a condition set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as part of a broader economic reform program. This move aims to address fiscal instability and combat corruption associated with fuel subsidies.
In response, agricultural and productive sectors, led by the Cámara Agropecuaria del Oriente (CAO), have demanded the immediate repeal of the decree. They warn that the price hike increases production costs and incentivizes the black market. The CAO has set a deadline of Sunday for the government to rescind the order, threatening to call for an 'Asamblea de la Cruceñidad' if their demands are not met.
To prevent road blockades and maintain order, the government has deployed military and police forces to key transit points, such as Yapacaní. While a state of exception is in effect, prohibiting road blockades, some local leaders have reached temporary agreements with authorities to maintain passage while negotiating the decree's future.
Entities
Bolivia · Bolivian government · Central Obrera Boliviana · Confeagro · Cámara Agropecuaria del Oriente · Ernesto Justiniano · Fernando Aramayo · International Monetary Fund · Klaus Frerking · Multisector Committee · Rodrigo Paz · Santa Cruz
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [DISPUTED] The viceminister of the Interior committed to managing the annulment of the decree within 48 hours. www.diarioeltigrense.com · www.agcnews.eu
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Producers at the San Pablo bridge granted a temporary reprieve for vehicle passage following dialogue.
- [● 4 SOURCES] CONFEAGRO and CAO demand the repeal of Supreme Decree 5676. publiagro.com.bo · rtpbolivia.com.bo
- [● 5 SOURCES] A state of exception is currently in effect in Bolivia, prohibiting road blockades. www.diarioeltigrense.com · www.telesurenglish.net · www.promar.tv · www.agcnews.eu
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Central Obrera Boliviana (COB) opposes the extension of the state of exception. ahoradigital.net
- [● 4 SOURCES] The Bolivian government deployed military and police forces to Yapacaní to prevent road blockades. www.diarioeltigrense.com · www.telesurenglish.net · www.promar.tv · www.agcnews.eu
- [● 12 SOURCES] Supreme Decree 5676 sets diesel at 18 bolivianos per liter for large and industrial consumers. www.telesurenglish.net · asuntoscentrales.com · radiokollasuyo.bo · monteronoticias.com · www.promar.tv · +5 more
- [● 5 SOURCES] Retail consumers and those consuming less than 5,000 liters per month maintain the subsidized price of 9.80 bolivianos. www.telesurenglish.net · www.promar.tv · elperiodicodelaenergia.com · www.bolivia.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Minister Fernando Aramayo stated that Supreme Decree 5676 is a condition set by the IMF regarding hydrocarbon price liberalization. monteronoticias.com · elperiodicodelaenergia.com · www.bolivia.com
- [DISPUTED] President Rodrigo Paz stated that Supreme Decree 5676 can be improved but will not be repealed. radiokollasuyo.bo · nuevapresencia.com