Chuquisaca remains gridlocked on the second day of a nationwide heavy transport strike, despite the local drivers’ federation distancing itself from the protest. However, other transport sectors in Sucre have defied the federation, announcing plans to erect roadblocks across the city, escalating tensions.
The mobilization will be bolstered by the Capital Interprovincial and Interdepartmental Bus Union, which includes companies such as 6 de Octubre, Emperador, Sin Fronteras, Transtin, Flota Capital, Andes Bus, Illimani, Real Audiencia, Expreso Sucre, El Chaqueño, and Trans Oruro. Minibus companies like Capital, La Plata, Azurduy, Zudáñez, Virgen de la Candelaria, Challa Bus, Villa Mojocoya, and Trans Santiago will also join.
The taxi sector is also divided. Taxis Sucre will follow the federated transport’s decision, while some dissident unions and the largest radio cab organization confirmed their participation in the strike. Independent taxi drivers, not included in the measure, announced they would not participate in the blockade.
On the other hand, the Sucre and San Cristóbal bus unions indicated their services will run normally but did not rule out pulling back if the blockades prevent them from working.
According to Marco Antonio Huaranca, General Secretary of the Chuquisaca Drivers Federation, their support will be “moral.”
National Transport Unions Demand Resignations and Fuel Solutions, Threaten Intensified Blockades Nationwide: National heavy transport demands solutions for fuel shortages and lack of dollars. In Sucre, the indefinite strike began this Wednesday with blockades at main entrances and avenues of the capital.
Although the impact in the city center was not significant, the suburban belt experienced difficulties accessing schools and workplaces. Traffic to Alcantarí airport and the supply of food and essential goods were unaffected.
This sector demands the immediate resignation of the Ministers of Hydrocarbons and Public Works, as well as the heads of YPFB and ANH. They require the government to resolve their demands by this Friday; otherwise, they will call for early general elections.
The national leadership rejected an invitation for dialogue from the government and warned that blockades would intensify on roads and in cities across the country this Thursday.
Transport Unions Split on National Strike: Despite the Departmental Federation of Drivers deciding not to support the national strike, the local sectors mentioned above chose to follow the national drivers’ congress’s directives, warning their affiliates with fines for non-compliance. This shows a fracture within Chuquisaca’s transport sector.
“Beyond the Federation’s statement, we will respect and comply with the national congress’s directives,” said Teodoro Copa, leader of the Capital Bus Union, to CORREO DEL SUR. Paola Aguanta, a radio cab representative, indicated that about fifteen associations and unions would join the blockade of streets and avenues in central Sucre to ensure fuel supply.
YPFB Steps Up Fuel Supply: Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales Bolivianos (YPFB) reported dispatching over 360,000 liters of gasoline and diesel oil this Wednesday to supply service stations in Chuquisaca. According to Ramiro Echalar Orihuela, YPFB’s Commercial District Manager in Chuquisaca, these volumes came from the Qhora Qhora and Monteagudo plants and were delivered uninterruptedly until the end of July.
In response to the increased demand caused by the announced blockade, higher gasoline deliveries were made to counter speculation. Additionally, adjustments were made at the Qhora Qhora plant, including extended hours. The plant opened early on Wednesday, and tankers began gradually arriving at the stations.
Roadblock Points
La Calancha
Evo Morales Market
Tinta Mayu Bridge
Ravelo Stop
Terminal Zone
El Morro
Trébol Gas Station
Lajastambo
Fancesa Roundabout
Qhochis
La Zapatera
Av. Canada
Ostria Gutiérrez Gas Station
Marcelo Quiroga
Japan Neighborhood
Ex-Airport
Av. Marcelo Quiroga
Dest. Chuquisaca
Ex-Airport Exit
Ex-Customs Roundabout
El Abra
Bus Terminal
Rotary Roundabout
Ravelo Stop
Villa Margarita
Cobolde
Emilio Mendizábal
Interprovincial Terminal
Qhora Qhora
Qhochis
Molle Molle
Villa Armonía
Taxis and radio cabs have decided to block streets in the city center.
