Bolivia’s President Faces Nationwide Road Blockades Amid Fuel Subsidy Crisis

President Rodrigo Paz, who took office in October 2025, has confronted a wave of protests that began after a decree ending long‑standing fuel subsidies. The move sparked nationwide road blockades organized by the Central Obrera Boliviana and other unions.

Compounding the unrest, February 2026 saw the import of gasoline contaminated with manganese and rubber, damaging vehicles and prompting the resignation of YPFB’s chief executive and the dismissal of the hydrocarbons minister. A controversial land‑reconversion law was also repealed, yet protests continued into May, with demands for quality fuel, higher wages and the release of detained activists. By 8 June, 93 blockades were reported across six departments, disrupting transport, causing shortages in western cities and inflicting significant economic losses. In response, the government enacted a state‑of‑exception law authorizing the military and police to clear the blockades.