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Bolivia fuel crisis triggers road blockades and reform calls

Updated 3 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-09-04 22:39 UTC → 2026-09-11 02:31 UTC · added removed

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. Concurrently, the national government, led by President Rodrigo Paz, To alleviate immediate supply issues, Velasco has specifically proposed eliminating hydrocarbon subsidies entirely a 90-day tax exemption on VAT and IT for private fuel imports. Escalating tensions have led the Asamblea de la Cruceñidad to redirect funds toward public works, noting that these subsidies currently cost issue an ultimatum to the state approximately $180 million per month. national government. Civic organizations, leaders have set October 10—Democracy Day—as a deadline to address demands including the Pro Santa Cruz Civic Committee and the Movimiento Cívico Nacional, maintain that fuel crisis, the current energy restoration of regional competencies in health, education, and infrastructure, and a ‘50/50’ resource distribution model has ‘collapsed,’ attributing for the crisis 2027 budget. Failure to meet these demands may result in escalated street protests and a lack cabildo. Minister of financial resources within Productive Development Óscar Mario Justiniano stated the government and YPFB. is prioritizing results over specific deadlines while maintaining coordination with productive sectors.

Versions

  1. 2026-09-11 02:31 UTC Bolivia fuel crisis triggers road blockades and reform calls
  2. 2026-09-04 22:39 UTC Bolivia fuel crisis triggers road blockades and reform calls
  3. 2026-09-04 00:05 UTC Bolivia fuel crisis triggers road blockades and reform calls
  4. 2026-09-02 15:59 UTC Bolivia fuel supply crisis in Santa Cruz

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