Bolivian Chamber of Deputies approves investigation into fuel quality scandal

The Bolivian Chamber of Deputies has unanimously approved a 60-page report from a special commission investigating the “gasolina basura” (garbage gasoline) scandal. The investigation focused on low-quality fuel imports that caused widespread damage to vehicles across various regions of the country.

The report identifies significant failures in quality control, the chain of custody, and the verification of storage tanks and transport pipelines. It also highlights that the nation’s three existing laboratories are insufficient for required testing. Legislators noted that certain regulations passed during Luis Arce’s administration modified control mechanisms by eliminating essential quality guarantee certificates.

The findings implicate several former officials from Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales Bolivianos (YPFB) and the National Hydrocarbons Agency (ANH), including former ministers and administrators. The document will now be referred to the Public Prosecutor's Office, the Comptroller General, and the Executive Branch to determine legal responsibilities, conduct audits, and address potential overpricing in crude oil import contracts.