Transportation

La Paz-Oruro Highway, Pisiga Border Crossing Blocked by Truckers Over Dollar Shortage (Update 19:46)

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As announced this Thursday, street vendors, importers, and cargo truck unions started blocking the La Paz-Oruro highway this Monday.

Around 7:00 AM on Monday, May 20, the blockade began on the La Paz-Oruro highway, in the community of Pasto Grande, located an hour from the Oruro department and two hours from La Paz on Ruta Nacional 1. Radio Fides, in their live broadcast, confirmed a roadblock at the Pisiga border crossing a few minutes ago.

The protest arises from an escalating shortage of US dollars, which is severely impacting Bolivian businesses.

Duration: The blockade is slated for 24 hours. However, if the government does not address their demands, cargo truck union representatives have threatened to extend the protest to 48 and 72 hours, and potentially longer.

Travel Alert: As of this article’s publication, the road accessibility map hasn’t been updated to reflect the blockades. Travelers are advised to check with local authorities or transportation companies for the latest updates before embarking on trips along the La Paz-Oruro highway.

Update – 10:00 – 5-20-2024

La Paz Bus Station Suspends Departures: In an interview with Radio Panamericana, the director of the La Paz Bus Terminal announced that all departures to Oruro, Cochabamba, Santa Cruz and Tarija have been suspended due to roadblocks in Pasto Grande. Currently, there are approximately 15 buses en route to the roadblock. The La Paz bus station, in coordination with the Bolivian Police, has arranged alternate routes for these buses. However, no new buses are being allowed to leave the station at this time.

Road Accessibility  Map Updated: The road accessibility map from the ABC has been updated and now shows four roadblocks cutting off access to and from Oruro in Pisiga, Puente Rio Tomarapi, Patacamaya – Tambo Quemado Highway, and Pasto Grande.

Update – 19:46 – 5-20-2024

La Paz Bus Station Restarts Departures with Detour: The La Paz Bus Station has resumed departures to the rest of Bolivia this afternoon. Buses are rerouting via Caihuasi, using the old Cochabamba highway due to the lifting of the Caracollo roadblock. Travelers can now expect delays due to this detour.

Truck Driver Meeting to Decide on Blockade Actions: Tonight, truck drivers are holding a meeting to assess the impact of the ongoing roadblocks and determine if they will continue their protest actions.



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