Bolivia moves to cap utility tariff hikes amid inflation

The Bolivian government announced that it will take steps to prevent increases in the prices of electricity, gas and other basic services. Minister of Planning Fernando Romero said the state is acting to avoid any tariff rises despite recent fuel shortages and speculation linked to blockades in June. The government is also investigating alleged smuggling of LPG cylinders to neighboring countries, which it says has contributed to regional scarcity.

In parallel, a decree (Supreme Decree 5647) establishes a mechanism to adjust electricity tariffs in line with the Consumer Price Index, limiting monthly changes to a maximum of 5 %. The adjustment will apply only to consumers whose monthly use exceeds 70 kWh; households under the “Tarifa Dignidad” program, which consume less, will keep their current rates unchanged. The policy aims to align utility costs with inflation while protecting low‑income users.