Government Confirms Team Is Working to “Improve” Diesel Decree

Bolivia’s government is working on changes to the diesel decree that has triggered road blockades and threats of further protests, Defense Minister Ernesto Justiniano said.

“An team is working to see the conditions under which the decree can be improved. In terms of the regulations, it can surely be done, as we have already said,” Justiniano said after signing an agreement with producers from Marbán province in Beni. The agreement ended a four-day blockade of the Santa Cruz-Beni highway at Puente San Pablo.

The dispute is continuing elsewhere. Producers in San Julián have decided to obstruct traffic from Wednesday, while leaders from other productive sectors are holding meetings and warning that they could take action against the decree.

President Rodrigo Paz’s government approved Supreme Decree 5676 on August 16. It increased the price of diesel to 18 bolivianos per liter for direct customers and large consumers. Presidential Minister Fernando Aramayo said the measure was one of the conditions set by the International Monetary Fund for financing.

Fuel queues have continued at service stations, alongside protest threats while a state of emergency remains in force.

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A team is working to see the conditions under which the decree can be improved. In terms of the regulations, it can surely be done, as we have already said in advance.