Bolivia investigates diversion of 22 million liters of fuel

Bolivian authorities have uncovered the diversion of 22 million liters of fuel, primarily diesel, within a single month. Minister of Sustainable Production, Óscar Mario Justiniano, reported that the scheme involves 30 individuals, including current and former officials from the National Hydrocarbons Agency (ANH).

The investigation revealed nine breaches in the ANH control systems, which facilitated the illegal movement of fuel. The government estimates the diversion has caused a loss of at least 220 million bolivianos to the state, while the black market value of the diverted fuel could reach 400 million bolivianos. Major points of diversion have been identified in La Paz and Santa Cruz.

Officials also highlighted the failure of the B-SISA electronic identification system, which is intended to monitor fuel sales. Currently, the system is reportedly operational in only 5% of the country. The government is working to restore the system and interconnect it with YPFB to implement stricter, “drop by drop” monitoring of fuel distribution.