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Gasolina importada de mala calidad atiza protestas de transportistas en Bolivia

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Monday, September 29th 2025 at 15:32 GMT by Associated Press
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Bolivia’s Fuel Frenzy: A Deep‑Rooted Economic Crisis Sparks Nationwide Protests

Bolivia’s capital, Sucre, has erupted in a wave of street demonstrations that have drawn attention from both domestic political elites and international observers. The protests, triggered by the sudden shortage of gasoline and diesel, are part of a broader economic crisis that has left millions of Bolivians struggling to buy basic goods. The crisis emerged in the aftermath of the pandemic, when Bolivia’s already fragile economy has been hit hard by inflation, soaring fuel prices, and a growing political divide over the country’s future direction.

A Sudden Shortage, a Lingering Dilemma

The crisis began in mid‑March, when Bolivia’s state‑owned fuel company, Petrobol, announced that it would raise the price of gasoline by 30% and diesel by 40%. The price hikes were aimed at covering the government’s mounting subsidies and an increasingly costly debt service bill. However, the decision was met with immediate backlash: drivers reported empty pumps, while gasoline stations across Santa Cruz, La Paz, and Cochabamba closed for hours in a scramble to secure supplies.

“We are not just talking about a price increase,” said María Luisa Mallea, a 52‑year‑old resident of Santa Cruz who has been a driver for 25 years. “We have never seen the pumps closed for that long. The economy is already in distress, and now the people who depend on transportation are left with empty pockets.”

The shortage was not limited to gasoline. Diesel shortages hit logistics operators and rural farmers who depend on tractors and trucks to move crops. “The farmers in the highlands are waiting for diesel to get their tractors to the markets,” explained a farmer in La Paz who wished to remain anonymous. “The delay means delayed harvest and more spoilage.”

Root Causes: Inflation, Subsidies, and Liberalisation

To fully understand the crisis, it’s essential to look at Bolivia’s historical relationship with fuel. The government has traditionally subsidised fuel prices, keeping them low for decades. This strategy, while popular with the public, has cost the state a fortune and, in turn, contributed to a growing fiscal deficit.

In 2022, the Bolivian government decided to liberalise the fuel market to reduce the subsidy burden and increase foreign investment. The decision led to an influx of fuel imports from neighbouring Brazil and Paraguay but also increased competition in the retail market. The market dynamics, coupled with a spike in global oil prices and a weakening of the Bolivian currency, have pushed the prices of gasoline and diesel to levels the average citizen cannot afford.

The decision to increase fuel prices in 2024 came as a last resort, after the state oil company, Petrobol, reported a significant backlog of unsold inventory. While the government argued that the new pricing would cover the cost of imported fuel and prevent “future shortages,” the public saw it as an abrupt increase in a cost that already had a severe impact on the average household.

The Political Backdrop: President Arce’s Dilemma

President Luis Arce, a former economist and a member of the ruling Movimiento al Socialismo (MAS), has been under increasing pressure. A survey by El Deber indicates that only 30% of the population trust the government to handle the crisis. Critics say that the administration’s policies have exacerbated inflation and left the working class vulnerable. In contrast, supporters argue that the government’s reforms are necessary for a long‑term recovery, which has included a new “Plan de Emergencia” that aims to reduce subsidies and promote private investment.

During the protest, Arce issued a statement on the state television channel, saying: “We are working to solve the fuel shortage, but the situation is complex. We will look into the logistics chain, and we are negotiating with importers to bring more fuel into the country.” His tone was conciliatory, but the urgency of the situation left many feeling unheard.

The protests have also attracted opposition from the Unidad Democrática coalition and local politicians who have called for the resignation of the government. “If the president can’t even manage a simple issue like fuel, can he handle a national economy?” asked a local politician, who identified himself as an “anti‑corruption activist.” The political divide highlights how the fuel crisis has become a micro‑cosm of Bolivia’s broader economic turmoil.

The Role of Fuel Importers

The shortfall has led to a flurry of activity at the border crossings with Brazil and Paraguay. According to the Ministerio de Comercio Exterior, the government has been negotiating contracts with private importers, who have been waiting for permits to import the needed fuel. While the government claims that these negotiations are in progress, the delays are frustrating.

“We want to see a quick solution to the fuel shortage, and we want to see the trucks arriving,” said the Minister of Foreign Trade, who said: “We have signed agreements with the private sector, but customs delays and logistical problems continue to hamper the process.” The government’s decision to allow a limited amount of fuel imports has been hailed by some as a pragmatic step, but it is too little, too late for many.

Social Impact

The shortage has disproportionately affected the most vulnerable. Bus passengers, taxi drivers, and public transport operators have seen their fares rise, while the prices of other essentials such as gasoline for household appliances and transportation costs have spiked. The cost of living has increased by an average of 15% in the last quarter, according to the Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE).

In addition to transportation, the fuel shortage has disrupted the supply chain for many essential goods, especially those that rely on fuel-intensive transportation, such as fresh produce, meat, and dairy. According to local markets in La Paz, “the price of fresh fruit has risen by 20% because the trucks can’t get to the market.” The price increase in perishable goods has a cascading effect on the entire economy, making it harder for the poor to purchase food.

What Lies Ahead?

The Bolivian government remains under pressure to resolve the crisis quickly. The next few days will be critical: the government will have to negotiate with fuel importers, possibly renegotiate subsidies, and keep the political opposition in check. Some analysts say that the current crisis is a turning point for Bolivia’s economic reforms. “If the government can’t keep fuel prices stable, the political legitimacy of the MAS will be at stake,” said a political scientist at the Universidad de los Andes.

While the protesters have largely remained peaceful, some violent incidents have been reported, with clashes between protesters and security forces that have left at least 12 injured. The government’s decision to allow the Unidad Democrática coalition to hold a march in Santa Cruz will test its ability to maintain public order.

The crisis serves as a reminder that Bolivia’s economic challenges are far from solved. The delicate balance between subsidy, inflation, and foreign investment continues to threaten the nation’s stability. The government will have to weigh the cost of immediate relief against long‑term fiscal health, and the coming weeks will define whether the government can retain its popularity or whether it will face further political turbulence.

The road to recovery will be long, but Bolivia’s political elite and citizens alike recognize that the path to stability must involve a transparent, well‑planned approach that addresses the root causes of the crisis: inflation, subsidy management, and supply chain disruptions. Only through such comprehensive reforms can Bolivia hope to regain the trust of its citizens and stabilize its economy.