Bolivian sugar cane producers aim to limit harvest damage

Sugar cane producers in eastern Bolivia aim to reduce harvest damage to less than 15% following improvements in diesel fuel supply. The sector projects a production of approximately 19 million quintals of sugar and over 300 million liters of alcohol.

Alcides Córdova, president of the National Confederation of Sugar Cane Growers of Bolivia (Concabol), stated that the sector had previously accumulated 15% in production losses due to fuel access difficulties and weather conditions. To address this, the government, through YPFB and the National Hydrocarbons Agency (ANH), has increased fuel allocations to stations near sugar mills.

A special commission is currently working to coordinate fuel volumes for specific stations within the cane-growing region. While mills have accelerated operations to roughly 55% of their milling capacity, producers remain reliant on dry weather windows to maximize the harvest and avoid further losses.