Bolivian producers demand end to YPFB fuel monopoly, issue 72-hour ultimatum

Bolivia's fuel market faces a potential crisis as the Committee for Producer Defense (Codepro) demands the "total and definitive liberation" of fuel imports and sales. The organization declared a state of emergency in productive areas and issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the government to establish a working group.

Codepro specifically targets Supreme Decree 5644, enacted on June 29, and subsequent regulations from the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and the National Hydrocarbons Agency (ANH). The producers argue these measures do not represent a genuine market opening because they still require contracts with the state-owned YPFB and prior authorization from the ANH for fuel imports.

Their demands include amending hydrocarbon law and revoking the decree to allow private individuals and companies to import, refine, store, transport, and sell diesel, gasoline, and crude oil. Codepro also calls for the cancellation of specific ministerial and administrative resolutions, proposing post-import controls on volume and quality instead of prior permits.

Furthermore, Codepro seeks an "Emergency Fiscal Relief" norm, proposing zero tax rates for private fuel import and sales. This includes eliminating the Special Tax on Hydrocarbons and Derivatives (IEHD), VAT on imports and domestic sales, Transaction Tax (IT), and Customs Duty (GA). They also propose an exemption from the Corporate Profits Tax (IUE) for associative fuel distribution logistics.

The organization accuses the state hydrocarbon system of creating conditions for shortages and alleges corruption in the allocation of quotas and licenses, though no specific documentation was provided. Codepro insists that YPFB and ANH issues require eliminating the state monopoly and opening the market, not just changing authorities. They have given the government 72 hours to begin talks on a "Short Law for Free Energy Market."