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Bolivia economic crisis, fuel shortages, and energy decline

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2026-10-17 23:35 UTC → 2026-10-22 01:47 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Bolivia’s economic and political instability has intensified as the country faces a multidimensional crisis marked by dollar shortages, stagflation, and the liberalization of fuel prices. While the administration attempts to promote a narrative of national recovery, former President Jorge ‘Tuto’ Quiroga has criticized the current uncertainty, noting that the economy is contracting while prices rise. Recent data from the Central Bank of Bolivia (BCB) indicates a potential third consecutive year of recession, with a projected GDP decline of 3.6% for the year. The BCB attributes this downturn to acute shortages of fuel and US dollars, as well as prolonged blockades. Social tensions have escalated following Supreme Decree 5750, which indexes electricity tariffs to the U.S. dollar, inflation, and fuel types. Deputy José Luis Porcel criticized the decree, stating it serves to “mask imminent increases in electricity costs.” The Central Obrera Boliviana (COB) has declared a state of emergency in response to these measures. Executive Secretary Mario Argollo expressed concern over the “economic blow” to families and the loss of purchasing power. Unrest is also emerging in the food and health sectors, with bakers warning of rising bread prices and health workers in Oruro and Santa Cruz threatening strikes over unpaid bonuses. Compounding these issues is a deepening energy crisis driven by a sustained decline in natural gas production. Production has dropped from a 2014 peak of 59.6 million cubic meters per day to a projected average of 26.6 million cubic meters per day by 2026. Projections suggest production could fall below domestic demand by 2032, potentially forcing Bolivia to import gas from Argentina. To address economic instability, the country has secured a $1.9 billion IMF rescue package alongside ongoing energy-sector reforms. Regional shortages have emerged, notably in Bermejo, where gas shortages have impacted the local sugar mill and transportation sectors.

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