Bolivian Municipalities Demand Diesel Price Hike Reversal

Municipal leaders in Bolivia are demanding the government reverse a recent decree that significantly increased the price of diesel fuel for large consumers. The Federation of Municipalities of Bolivia (FAM-Bolivia) formally requested President Rodrigo Paz repeal Supreme Decree 5676 during a meeting in La Paz.

Johnny Torres, president of FAM-Bolivia and mayor of Tarija, conveyed the unanimous decision of the municipalities. He stated, "By unanimous decision, Mr. President, we ask that the decree imposing 18 bolivianos per liter (of diesel) on Gracos (large consumers) be repealed." The decree, issued on August 16, allows Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales Bolivianos (YPFB) and service stations to sell diesel at a reference price to large consumers, initially set at Bs 18.

The price increase has sparked widespread rejection and protests. A blockade on the Santa Cruz-Beni highway has entered its second day, with demonstrators demanding the decree's abrogation. This action persists despite an existing state of exception that prohibits such pressure tactics.

“

By unanimous decision, Mr. President, we ask that the decree imposing 18 bolivianos per liter (of diesel) to Gracos (large consumers) be repealed.