Fuel crisis in Bolivia triggers mass queues

Long queues formed in La Paz sparked by fears of scarcity of basic goods and a worsening fuel shortage. According to regional media outlets, people queued outside supermarkets from the early morning to purchase essential items at inflated prices. Meanwhile, the fuel scarcity, which has led to long lines at the pump, stems from a slide in foreign currency reserves over the last decade and dwindling local gas production that is reaching crisis levels. The situation is rattling the government of President Luis Arce, which has sought to cap prices with subsidies.

Bolivia's government, under growing pressure due to the dollar and fuel crisis, has moved to try to ease imports, letting state energy firm YPFB use cryptocurrency to pay for fuel cargoes and to pay companies. In an address to the nation, Arce stated that Bolivia's economy remains stable, despite rumors of bankruptcy. Citizens expressed frustration over the shortages and the long lines, drawing parallels with economic struggles in Cuba and Venezuela.

The government has introduced measures to mitigate the crisis, including reducing the use of official vehicles and promoting remote work and virtual classes. However, these actions are viewed as insufficient by opposition parties and transportation unions, who are organizing further protests. Critics argue that the government's reluctance to reduce public spending or reassess subsidies is exacerbating the economic downturn, marked by rising inflation and the devaluation of the boliviano.

The agricultural sector, particularly in the Santa Cruz region, is experiencing significant setbacks due to the fuel scarcity, threatening the nation's food security.

The ongoing fuel shortage has led to widespread frustration among citizens, underscoring the urgency for comprehensive economic reforms and effective crisis management to stabilize Bolivia's economy and ensure the well-being of its population.