Bolivia investigation finds ministerial approval allowed distribution of unstabilized gasoline

A special commission of Bolivia's Chamber of Deputies concluded that Ministerial Resolution 041/2026, signed on 3 March 2026 by former minister Mauricio Medinaceli, authorized the de‑sealing of five fuel storage tanks containing gasoline that had not undergone the required stabilization process. The commission said the National Hydrocarbons Agency (ANH) permitted the release of the fuel despite procedural gaps.

The report highlighted inadequate quality‑control practices, such as visual inspections performed by non‑chemists and non‑operational mobile labs, and the use of private laboratory certificates lacking proper contracts with YPFB. It identified possible responsibility of former officials, including ex‑president Luis Arce, former YPFB head Armin Dorgathen and ex‑minister Gallardo, and recommended criminal investigations, audits and stronger quality‑control measures.