Bolivia authorities combat fuel smuggling and water shortages

In Cochabamba, the municipal government and the Municipal Service of Drinking Water and Sewerage (SEMAPA) have implemented a contingency plan to address water shortages in the southern zone. This follows a strike by private water tanker drivers protesting Municipal Law No. 1927, which regulates water loading and pricing. To protect vulnerable sectors, the city is distributing free water via municipal tankers and establishing eight strategic municipal loading points to reduce costs for operators and prevent illegal practices.

Simultaneously, the National Hydrocarbons Agency (ANH) and YPFB have conducted several operations to curb illegal fuel commercialization. In Sucre, authorities seized approximately 13,000 liters of gasoline stored illegally in a residence, resulting in the arrest of two minors and the seizure of a truck. In El Alto, an operation led to the confiscation of 300 LPG cylinders and 250 liters of liquid fuel. These actions are part of an ongoing effort to prevent the diversion of subsidized fuels to the black market.