Bolivia diesel price hike raises beef and mining costs

Increased diesel prices in Bolivia are driving up operational costs across multiple sectors, notably affecting food prices and mining activities.

In Cochabamba, beef prices have risen by up to 3 bolivianos per kilo, with cuts currently retailing between 65 and 70 bolivianos. Merchants report that while supply remains stable, sales have dropped by as much as 50% due to the price hike. The increase is attributed to rising transportation costs following the diesel price adjustment, alongside fuel scarcity and smuggling issues.

The mining sector is also feeling the impact. The Empresa Minera Comunitaria Inca Sayaña (Emcoisa), located in Oruro, reported that the new diesel price of 17.95 bolivianos per liter has increased production and operational costs. Emcoisa's board president, Cristóbal Huacota, stated that the company is undergoing internal reengineering to mitigate these costs and protect jobs following previous difficulties with fuel shortages.