Bolivia tanker drivers announce national strike over YPFB debts

Bolivia fuel crisis tanker driver strike YPFB unpaid debts diesel shortage transportation protest

Bolivian tanker truck drivers have announced a national strike beginning Monday, August 24, due to unpaid debts from the state-owned oil company, Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales Bolivianos (YPFB). The sector reports that payments have been outstanding since March, despite a July 9 agreement intended to settle arrears by the end of July.

In addition to the debt issue, transport workers are demanding a leveling of freight prices and tax exemptions for the import and sale of fuels. The strike follows a period of significant diesel shortages, with drivers reporting they must wait in lines for up to three days to secure fuel.

Other transport organizations, such as Transporte Libre, are also planning to address the crisis, citing diesel scarcity, a lack of US dollars, and deteriorating road conditions. A government decree that adjusts diesel prices for large consumers has also drawn criticism, with some officials claiming it has increased speculation and queue lengths.

Entities

Bolivia · Cámara Boliviana del Transporte · Limbert Tancara · Luis Añez · Sergio Kosky · Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales Bolivianos

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 4 SOURCES] A national strike will begin on Monday, August 24. www.cabildeodigital.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] The tanker transport sector has been unpaid since March.
[● 4 SOURCES] The strike is a protest against unpaid debts from Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales Bolivianos (YPFB). www.cabildeodigital.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Tanker drivers may spend up to 15 days waiting in lines and another 15 days traveling.
[● 3 SOURCES] The sector demands a leveling of freight prices and the opening of working tables. www.cabildeodigital.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] The sector is requesting tax exemptions for the import and commercialization of fuels.
[○ 1 SOURCE] A government decree adjusting diesel prices for large consumers has caused more lines and speculation.
[● 4 SOURCES] An agreement was reached on July 9 to settle pending payments, but commitments were not met. www.cabildeodigital.com