Bolivia fuel shortages trigger long queues and transport disruptions

Drivers in La Paz have been waiting overnight in cars for fuel, with some forming kilometre‑long queues at stations such as Uruguay after days of shortages. An 78‑year‑old driver described the situation as unprecedented, saying he had spent several nights in his vehicle.

Transport sector leader Edson Valdez demanded that the government lift blockades and restore regular diesel and gasoline supplies, warning that the 49‑day crisis is hurting the economy, raising food‑basket prices and even causing deaths among transport workers.

In Oruro, residents faced a sudden lack of liquefied petroleum gas (GLP). Community leaders organised trucks carrying thousands of gas cylinders to meet demand, stressing that prices remained at the usual rate while urging authorities to prevent future shortages.

At Tarija’s inter‑departmental bus terminal, diesel scarcity has reduced the frequency of bus departures, especially on weekends, disrupting travel for passengers.

Amid the crisis, regional transport operators PumaKatari and ChikiTiti have resumed limited services, highlighting the ongoing effort to keep essential mobility despite fuel constraints.