Bolivia faces energy crisis and calls for economic reform

Bolivia is facing significant energy and economic challenges, highlighted by gas shortages in the Bermejo region and calls for structural economic reforms. In Bermejo, local leaders have reported an energy crisis, noting that the Bermejo Sugar Mill is currently without gas. This shortage has also impacted the general population and the transportation sector, which faces long queues to access fuel.

In response to broader national issues, Tarija parliamentary brigade president Gabriel Corvera Sittyc has suggested that Bolivia must “sincerar la economía” (align the economy with market realities), following recommendations from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Corvera noted that fuel subsidies remain a burden and that natural gas prices in Bolivia are significantly lower than international rates, with domestic gas costing approximately $1 per cubic foot compared to $6 abroad. He emphasized that any economic adjustment must be preceded by a “pacto social” (social pact) involving productive sectors, transport workers, and farmers to ensure stability.