Cochabamba implements food price controls amid diesel subsidy removal

Municipal authorities in Cochabamba have implemented price controls and inspections in local markets to combat inflation following the removal of diesel subsidies. In La Cancha market, chicken prices dropped from Bs 24 to Bs 20 per kilo due to wholesale monitoring, though officials have urged citizens not to purchase in excess to prevent further price hikes.

To ensure transparency, the Municipal Intendencia is installing price lists for basic food basket items in municipal markets and providing scales so consumers can verify the weight of products like meat. Authorities have encouraged citizens to report any speculation or irregularities to Consumer Defense.

In response to the fuel subsidy changes, Mayor Manfred Reyes Villa has proposed a transition toward electromobility. He suggested that providing credits for transport workers to acquire electric vehicles could serve as a structural solution to reduce long-term dependence on diesel and gasoline.