Road blockades in Colombia and Bolivia cost billions in 2026

In Colombia, 309 road blockades were recorded between January and May 2026, interrupting 5,128 hours of traffic – equivalent to 214 continuous days – and causing estimated economic losses of $1.3 trillion. The disruptions affected transporters, logistics firms, producers and consumers, with the Valle del Cauca department experiencing the highest number of blockades.

In Bolivia, a series of road blockades that have persisted for 41 days have generated losses exceeding $2.5 billion, according to the Bolivian Institute of Foreign Trade (IBCE). IBCE Director Gary Rodríguez warned that the closures jeopardise the country’s export sector and threaten GDP stability, adding that Bolivia’s investment image is “on the ground”. The protests, which call for President Rodrigo Paz’s resignation, have led to food and fuel shortages in several regions and have prompted the government to consider invoking a state of exception.

Both nations report that prolonged road blockades are severely undermining supply chains, raising logistical costs and eroding confidence among investors and traders.