Transportation

Diesel Shortages Persist in Bolivia; Cochabamba Bus Drivers Block Airport Entrance in Protest

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Spencer Torrejon, Unitel

Bolivia’s state-owned oil company, YPFB, announced yesterday a 22% reduction in diesel distribution nationwide due to “climatic factors.” This decision has led to widespread shortages across the country. Long lines and supply issues Service stations across the country are experiencing long queues as drivers struggle to fill their tanks. While YPFB reported increasing fuel distribution by 2.5 million liters over the past three days, the supply still falls short of demand.

Cochabamba Interdepartmental Bus Drivers Protest Fuel Shortage: By 10:00 AM today in Cochabamba, interdepartmental transport and bus drivers had taken action, blocking the entrance to the Jorge Wilstermann International Airport in protest against the reduced fuel supply.

According to the sector, they have been unable to obtain diesel regularly since the weekend.

“We’ve been waiting in line for fuel and diesel since Sunday. They provide enough for 15 or 16 buses, and then it runs out. It’s now midday, and still no fuel. If the tanker arrives, we will unblock,” one of the drivers told Fides Cochabamba.

Some Drivers Spend the Night at Gas Stations to Refuel: In Santa Cruz, at the service station on the 5th ring of the double road to La Guardia, there was no diesel at 6:00 AM, but this changed by 7:00 AM when a fuel tanker arrived. However, drivers told UNITEL that some had to spend the night or arrive very early to secure fuel, with lines continuing past 10:00 AM.

Long Lines in La Paz and El Alto: In La Paz, mid-morning this Tuesday saw vehicle lines on Montes Avenue, at the Volcan station, and on 6 de Marzo Avenue; in El Alto, near Senkata.

Impact on transportation and daily life: The fuel crisis is disrupting transportation and daily life in Bolivia. Drivers are facing long wait times and congestion at service stations, while businesses and individuals are struggling to access essential goods and services.

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