Bolivia faces soaring dollar, IMF loan and devaluation amid economic crisis

Bolivian officials warned that the exchange rate has risen above 12 bolivianos per US dollar, squeezing merchants and consumers. Executive secretary of the Central of Bolivian Workers, Toño Siñani, called for a clear economic reactivation plan using the recent $1.9 billion IMF loan, saying the funds would only cover fuel and public‑sector salaries for a few months.

Economy Minister José Gabriel Espinoza announced that a first disbursement of $1.1‑$1.2 billion from multilateral sources is expected within four to five weeks, which he expects will help restore international reserves and bring the official rate back to a range of Bs 9.70‑Bs 10.20 per dollar.

Guardaparques in Bolivia reported months of unpaid wages and subsidies, demanding a meeting with the President to resolve the financial shortfall.

Since the state of exception was declared, the boliviano has depreciated sharply, moving from a fixed 6.96 Bs per dollar to about 12.10 Bs, driving higher loan payments, import tariffs and inflation that affect households nationwide.