Bolivia diesel shortage draws criticism from Catholic Church

Monseñor Stanisław Dowlaszewicz, the auxiliary bishop of Santa Cruz, has criticized the Bolivian government regarding the persistent diesel shortage affecting the country. During a mass at the Santa Cruz Cathedral, the religious leader expressed solidarity with farmers, transport workers, and families facing long queues at service stations.

Dowlaszewicz questioned the effectiveness of government promises to normalize supply, noting that despite official announcements, the reality at fuel stations remains unchanged. He asked, “Until when will the country, the agro, and the transport be suffocated by the lack of diesel?”

The crisis has significant economic implications. The Cámara Agropecuaria del Oriente has declared an emergency due to supply difficulties and rising diesel prices. Reports indicate that only between 30% and 40% of transporters are currently operating normally, and the transport sector has granted the government a 15-day deadline to resolve the situation.