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Fuel consumption declines in Argentina and Bolivia faces subsidy crisis
Argentina is experiencing a significant downturn in fuel consumption, with sales dropping 6.4% year-on-year in July 2026. This marks the sixth consecutive monthly decline and the sharpest drop since late 2024. The contraction was widespread, affecting 21 provinces, with Tucumán seeing the steepest decline at 22.41%. Only La Pampa, Neuquén, and Santiago del Estero recorded growth. Market leader YPF saw a 5.2% decrease in sales.
In Bolivia, YPFB President Sebastián Daroca warned that fuel subsidies have become unsustainable due to the widening gap between international import costs and domestic prices. The deficit for diesel and gasoline is estimated at approximately 1.7 billion bolivianos. Amidst fuel shortages and long queues, Minister of Hydrocarbons Marcelo Blanco alleged that a smuggling mafia exists within YPFB and the ANH. Despite calls for his removal, the Bolivian Legislative Assembly failed to reach the two-thirds majority required to censure him.
Entities
Agencia Nacional de Hidrocarburos · Argentina · Asamblea Legislativa Plurinacional · Bolivia · Marcelo Blanco · Sebastián Daroca · Secretaría de Energía de la Nación · Trafigura · YPF · YPFB
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 15 SOURCES] Fuel sales in Argentina fell 6.4% year-on-year in July 2026. diarioprimerahora.com · las24horasdejujuy.com.ar · www.losprimeros.tv · www.mitdf.com.ar · cadenadelosandesfm.com.ar · +7 more
- [● 2 SOURCES] Bolivian Minister of Hydrocarbons Marcelo Blanco alleged the existence of a smuggling mafia within YPFB and the ANH.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Bolivian Plurinational Legislative Assembly failed to reach the two-thirds majority required to censure Minister Marcelo Blanco. lavozdetarija.com
- [● 15 SOURCES] The fuel sales data is based on records from the National Energy Secretariat. diarioprimerahora.com · las24horasdejujuy.com.ar · www.losprimeros.tv · www.mitdf.com.ar · cadenadelosandesfm.com.ar · +7 more
- [● 13 SOURCES] Tucumán province experienced the largest drop in fuel sales at 22.41%. diarioprimerahora.com · www.losprimeros.tv · cadenadelosandesfm.com.ar · elcorresponsalweb.com.ar · www.laplata1.com · +7 more
- [● 15 SOURCES] Only three Argentine provinces, La Pampa, Neuquén, and Santiago del Estero, recorded positive fuel sales growth in July. diarioprimerahora.com · las24horasdejujuy.com.ar · www.losprimeros.tv · www.mitdf.com.ar · cadenadelosandesfm.com.ar · +7 more
- [● 15 SOURCES] YPF holds a 55.7% market share in Argentina but saw a 5.2% decrease in sales in July. diarioprimerahora.com · las24horasdejujuy.com.ar · www.mitdf.com.ar · elcorresponsalweb.com.ar · www.laplata1.com · +7 more
- [○ 1 SOURCE] YPFB President Sebastián Daroca stated that fuel subsidies in Bolivia are unsustainable due to the gap between import costs and domestic prices. alertabolivia.net