Government announces changes to diesel decree, seeks to halt Yapacaní blockade

Bolivian authorities deployed police and military forces near Yapacaní to prevent a threatened blockade of the highway to Cochabamba. The protest was organized by agricultural producers concerned about Supreme Decree 5676, which significantly raised the price of diesel fuel for "large consumers."

Vice Minister of Interior and Police Hernán Paredes and YPFB Vice President Víctor Hugo Blacut met with mobilized sectors in Yapacaní, a town approximately 124 kilometers from Santa Cruz de la Sierra. The producers argue that the price hike, from 9.80 to 18 Bolivian pesos per liter, will make their production more expensive.

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I also reject it. I believe there must be a modification to allow diesel at a competitive price.

Paredes presented a three-pronged approach to appease the protesters: guaranteeing fuel supply in production zones, supporting a project to build a refinery in Yapacaní, and expediting the authorization for a service station that has been pending for over two years. He also acknowledged the need to modify the decree, stating, "I also reject it. I believe there must be a modification to allow diesel at a competitive price." He announced plans for a new "inclusive" regulation to permit more sectors to import fuel, fostering competition among suppliers.

The Vice Minister also urged YPFB to increase its refinery output, which he noted was operating at only 18% to 20% of capacity. While he admitted the decree needed modification, he did not specify a new price or a timeline for approval. Local officials expressed a preference for a negotiated solution, with the mayor of Yapacaní stating that producers would only resort to blockades if necessary. The negotiations are proceeding under heavy security, with riot police and military personnel present.

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Nobody wants to block, but if they need to do it, they do it.