Bolivian drivers' unions seek fare hikes amid cost‑of‑living crisis

In La Paz, the Confederación de Choferes de La Paz, led by executive Edson Valdez, announced it will examine raising public‑transport fares because the price of food, fuel and other inputs has risen sharply, leaving operators unable to cover costs. Valdez said, “Todo se ha incrementado… no podemos seguir trabajando a pérdida.” The union postponed any decision during the national holidays and plans to commission technical studies to determine the appropriate percentage increase.

In Potosí, the Federación de Choferes 1º de Mayo, represented by Juan Flores, is demanding a new tariff study after severe fuel shortages, higher gasoline and diesel prices, and rising costs of spare parts have reduced driver earnings to about 30 % of normal capacity. Flores described drivers queuing for days and even sleeping in their vehicles to obtain fuel, saying, “Seguimos haciendo filas… durmiendo en nuestros vehículos para conseguir combustible.” The union warns that current fares are unsustainable and could disrupt city mobility.