Bolivia Government Refuses to Repeal Diesel Subsidy Decree Amid Protests

Bolivia's government stands firm against repealing Supreme Decree 5676, which establishes a differentiated diesel price, despite escalating protests from agricultural producers. Minister of the Presidency Fernando Aramayo categorically stated, "It will not be repealed," as pressure mounts.

Producers have voiced strong opposition, arguing the decree's reference price of 18 Bolivian bolivianos per liter for diesel increases production costs and could lead to higher food prices. Their discontent has manifested in road blockades, with producers from the Marbán province blocking the San Pablo bridge on the Santa Cruz-Beni route, disrupting bus services.

The Chamber of the East (CAO) has called an extraordinary congress to discuss the decree and plan further actions. However, Aramayo suggested that instead of demanding outright repeal, sectors should propose alternatives. He argued that the decree's price is a reference and can vary, and that its establishment was based on parameters like import parity prices.

Aramayo emphasized that there is still room to work within the decree's framework through complementary regulations and adjustments. He questioned the simple demand for abrogation without offering solutions, asking what would happen if diesel supply were to cease.