Bolivian producers block Santa Cruz-Beni route over diesel decree

Agricultural producers in Bolivia have entered a third day of road blockades on the route connecting Santa Cruz and Beni. The protests are centered at the San Pablo bridge and have expanded to include points in Nueva Jerusalén and Cerro Grande.

The demonstrators are demanding the repeal of Supreme Decree 5676, which mandates that large diesel consumers pay 18 bolivianos per liter, while maintaining a lower price of 9.80 bolivianos for transporters and private consumers. Producers argue the increased cost will negatively impact planting, harvesting, and food prices.

Dialogue attempts between producers, the Beni Governor's office, YPFB, and the ANH failed to reach an agreement. While authorities proposed increasing diesel quotas for small producers, the protesters maintain that the decree must be abolished entirely. The situation follows recent clashes between protesters and security forces that resulted in several injuries and the detention of producers.