At a recent press conference, a representative for agricultural producers in Santa Cruz’s Florida Province announced an agreement with Bolivia’s fuel distribution regulatory agency directors. This deal ends the roadblocks in Mairana, following a full day of negotiations with government officials who arrived yesterday morning to address concerns about fuel allocation.
Why This Matters: Travelers in the Traveling in Bolivia WhatsApp group and Les Français en Bolivie have reported significant roadblocks along the route to Samaipata. These blockades have caused major travel delays and even cancellations of bus departures to and from Samaipata.
The Bigger Picture: Since Sunday, producers have been blocking two points on the old highway to Cochabamba, specifically between Samaipata and Mairana. Their protest stems from restrictions that limit fuel sales to 120 liters per producer, coinciding with the start of the potato harvest in Florida Province, according to statements they made to various news outlets.
Update – 19:36 – 14/05/2024: Major media outlets and regional news in Santa Cruz are reporting that local leaders in Los Negros have reneged on the agreement reached between the government and Maraina protesters, re-establishing the blockade on the Los Negros bridge.
Around 3:00 PM, a dump truck unloaded rocks on the town’s bridge, rendering the road impassable, while community members held a meeting at the other end of the bridge.
Los Negros is located 170 kilometers east of the city of Santa Cruz.
The ABC Transitability Map currently shows no roadblocks, media reports suggest disruptions may still be ongoing.
Update – 22:04 – 14/05/2024: Los Negros protesters are temporarily lifting their blockade, granting a 72-hour window for government officials to meet and address their concerns. Failure to do so will see them resume protests on the Valles cruceños route, impacting traffic to Cochabamba and Chuquisaca.
