Roadblocks have emerged on various highways across the country this Tuesday, led by transport workers and intercultural groups. These roadblocks are obstructing key routes in La Paz, Oruro, Chuquisaca (Sucre), Cochabamba and Santa Cruz as different sectors demand solutions for the deepening diesel shortage and the approval of a short-term law for transgenic seeds.
La Paz: The ABC road accessibility map reports two roadblocks on the La Paz-Oruro Highway (Ruta Nacional 1) at Achica Arriba and Patacamaya.
The La Paz Bus Station has not suspended departures yet but has announced on social media that ticket availability depends on the opening of alternate routes later in the day.
ABC’s transit map shows both lanes obstructed at these roadblocks, with protesters lighting bonfires at the Patacamaya blockade.
It remains unclear which transport union is responsible for the roadblocks on Ruta Nacional 1.
In a meeting held on Monday, the leadership decided to intensify their actions until national authorities, specifically the Director General of the National Hydrocarbons Agency (ANH), address their concerns.
“Protests will be widespread. We will continue the strike until national authorities respond,” said Lucio Méndez, the federation’s executive secretary.
Starting early Tuesday, drivers blocked streets and avenues in the city, according to Red Pío XII. Yesterday, the San Cristobal federation set up 19 roadblocks bringing Oruro to a standstill.
The ANH reported that roadblocks in Oruro are disrupting fuel supplies to service stations. “Fuel tankers are unable to depart from YPFB’s distribution plant, causing interruptions in logistics.”
Sucre: Late last night, the Federation of Drivers of Chuquisaca announced a suspension of public transport services and roadblock setups across the city, starting at midnight.
The Federation has established roadblocks at over thirty key points in Sucre, including major city center streets and peripheral roads, as well as main entrances to the city.
There are reports from local media outlets of escalating violence targeting motorists, motorcyclists, and passersby trying to navigate through blockades. Additionally, vandalism has been reported in the San Juanillo area.
Santa Cruz: The Santa Cruz-Beni highway near the municipality of San Julián remains blocked for a second day, as local residents and producers maintain roadblocks demanding government authorization for biotechnology use, diesel supplies, credit, and other issues.
The demonstrators are keeping vigil, hoping for a meeting with authorities to discuss at least eight points raised by the producers.
According to reports from the Bimodal Traffic Department in Santa Cruz, the highway to Beni is currently impassable. However, ticket sales are still ongoing with the condition that intermediate stops might be allowed at the roadblocks later today.
Producers claim they have been asking the government for approximately 15 years to permit the use of transgenic seeds, but this request has not been approved.
Another demand is the resignation of the Minister of Public Works, Edgar Montaño, whom they accuse of mocking the negotiations, particularly regarding promises related to road construction and maintenance.
The blockade began after drivers, who had been waiting in line at gas stations, were informed that no diesel would be delivered. Frustrated by the shortage, they decided to take action and block the area.
“We’ve been blocking since yesterday afternoon because we were told no diesel would arrive. I’ve been waiting since Sunday morning, and others have been here even longer, since Saturday night, when the diesel ran out,” a driver told UNITEL.
Transport workers are concerned about the economic losses caused by the inability to operate due to the fuel shortage. “We can’t work and need to generate income for our families. Diesel is crucial for transportation. We urge authorities to deliver the diesel. We will continue blocking until we get it,” one driver emphasized.
Heavy Trucker Assembly in Sucre and General Strike Transport on the 1st: Heavy trucker leaders will gather today in Sucre for a national meeting to decide on new pressure measures, citing the government’s failure to honor agreements.
“We’re in a worsening situation, which is why today’s meeting is crucial to determine our next steps and when we’ll start mobilizations. This will be a national action,” said Juan Yujra, a representative from Santa Cruz, to Unitel.
Yujra expressed frustration over repeated government delays in addressing diesel and dollar shortages, accusing the authorities of making promises without follow-through. “We’ve had enough of deadlines and meetings. The authorities give us agreements but don’t fulfill them,” he added.
Domingo Ramos from La Paz confirmed that today’s meeting will focus solely on deciding when and how to initiate mobilizations, rather than further discussions with ministers. “We will only discuss when to start our actions and how to unify with other transport sectors. We have exhausted all options in various meetings with different ministries,” Ramos said.
The diesel shortage has worsened recently, leading to long lines at fuel stations. Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales Bolivianos reported a 25% drop in fuel distribution due to shipping issues and reduced river flows affecting navigation.
“We’re waiting three or four days at fuel stations. Our trips have decreased from four to just one or none. This is also affecting international transport, with vehicles often returning empty,” the leader told Unitel.
On June 26, Economy Minister Marcelo Montenegro and the Bolivian Heavy Transport Union signed an agreement that led to the suspension of roadblocks planned for July 1. The agreement included setting up technical committees to address transport issues.
