[CLSTR]
< Back to situations

Monitor this situation.

[SITUATION] · [ACTIVE] · [POLITICS]

3 clusters · 15 sources · 15 days · First seen · Last updated

Bolivia fuel crisis triggers road blockades and reform calls

Overview

The fuel crisis in Santa Cruz has deepened, characterized by persistent diesel and gasoline shortages that have triggered widespread social unrest and road blockades. Producers in regions such as Cuatro Cañadas, San Julián, Yapacaní, and Villa Paraíso have reinforced blockades on major routes, including the Santa Cruz–Cochabamba highway, demanding direct dialogue with the Minister of Hydrocarbons.

Protesters continue to demand the repeal of Supreme Decree 5676, which established a reference price of Bs 18 per liter for large-scale consumers. While the government implemented Supreme Decree 5698—allowing small producers to purchase up to 2,500 liters of diesel per month at Bs 9.80 per liter—many producers argue this does not resolve the underlying crisis.

In response to the instability, Governor Juan Pablo Velasco has proposed a structural shift by ending generalized fuel subsidies in favor of an open market with private operators. He suggested that prices could reach approximately Bs 16.50 per liter to reflect real costs, arguing that the current subsidy system fosters scarcity, smuggling, and parallel markets. To alleviate immediate supply issues, Velasco has specifically proposed a 90-day tax exemption on VAT and IT for private fuel imports.

Escalating tensions have led the Asamblea de la Cruceñidad to issue an ultimatum to the national government. Civic leaders have set October 10—Democracy Day—as a deadline to address demands including the fuel crisis, the restoration of regional competencies in health, education, and infrastructure, and a ‘50/50’ resource distribution model for the 2027 budget. Failure to meet these demands may result in escalated street protests and a cabildo. Minister of Productive Development Óscar Mario Justiniano stated the government is prioritizing results over specific deadlines while maintaining coordination with productive sectors.

Entities

Comité pro Santa Cruz · YPFB · Santa Cruz · Juan Pablo Velasco · Agustín Zambrana

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

Coverage disagrees

Sources make claims that cannot both be true. CLSTR reports the disagreement; it does not decide who is right.

  • "Producers criticize the 120-liter monthly limit of subsidized diesel." nuevapresencia.com · monteronoticias.com · www.bolivia.com

    vs

    "Supreme Decree 5698 allows small producers to purchase up to 2,500 liters of diesel per month at Bs 9.80 per liter." monteronoticias.com

    One claim states there is a 120-liter monthly limit of subsidized diesel, while the other states small producers can purchase up to 2,500 liters per month at the subsidized rate.

Timeline

  1. 1 day ago

    [POLITICS] 7 sources
    Santa Cruz civic leaders threaten protests over fuel crisis

    Civic leaders in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, have set an October 10 deadline for the government to address fuel shortages and regional autonomy demands, threatening protests if unsatisfied.

  2. 11 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 9 sources
    Bolivia fuel crisis triggers road blockades and market reform proposals

    Bolivia faces a fuel crisis as agricultural producers in Santa Cruz reinforce road blockades. Leaders propose moving to an open market to end widespread subsidies and address diesel and gasoline shortages.

  3. 16 days ago

    [POLITICS] 3 sources
    Comité pro Santa Cruz to evaluate fuel supply commitments on August 31

    The Comité pro Santa Cruz will meet on August 31 to evaluate government and YPFB commitments to resolve fuel shortages in Santa Cruz, Bolivia.

Sources

ahoradigital.net · asuntoscentrales.com · bolivia.com · cabildeodigital.com · eju.tv · elmundo.cr · elnortealdia.com · eltiempove.com · lapatria.bo · lavozdetarija.com · monteronoticias.com · noticiaslatam.lat · nuevapresencia.com · publiagro.com.bo · ultimasnoticiasbolivia.com

This summary has been updated 3 times: see revision history