Long queues stretched across La Paz on Friday as fuel shortages and soaring prices of essential goods fueled growing public frustration.
From the early hours, residents lined up outside supermarkets, scrambling to buy necessities at rising prices, while the deepening fuel crisis further strained daily life in the capital.
The shortages stem from a prolonged economic downturn driven by declining foreign currency reserves and a steady drop in domestic gas production. With pressure mounting on President Luis Arce’s government, officials have introduced subsidies to control price hikes and recently allowed state energy company YPFB to use cryptocurrency for fuel imports in a bid to ease supply disruptions.
Despite the worsening crisis, Arce dismissed claims that Bolivia is on the brink of bankruptcy. “They say our country is bankrupt, but Bolivia is not bankrupt. Our economy continues to generate public investment and redistribute income among Bolivians,” he said at a press conference.
The president also rejected speculation about his resignation. “We’ve heard rumors that I will step down. In this very Casa Grande (the presidential residence), we have faced blockades, marches, smear campaigns, even coup attempts—and we remain committed to fulfilling the people’s mandate,” he declared.
Yet discontent among citizens is growing. Local resident Pamela Quisbert described the struggle of waiting in long lines for basic goods. “We have to queue from 4 a.m. just to buy cooking oil, rice, and fuel. People sleep on the streets to secure a spot. Is this normal? This is what socialism has brought us—just like in Cuba and Venezuela, where people suffer in endless lines,” she said.
The crisis is also affecting daily routines. Schools and universities have reported lower attendance as the government promotes remote work and virtual classes. Drone footage has captured miles-long lines at fuel stations, with some displaying signs reading “No fuel available.”
Rolando Quispe, another resident, voiced his frustration while waiting in line. “My five-year-old son has been with me in this queue since yesterday. The situation is alarming and frustrating. I hope things improve, but honestly, it seems like they will only get worse,” he said.
As economic pressures mount, the government is scrambling to stabilize the situation. But for many Bolivians, the reality remains the same—long queues, growing uncertainty, and an increasingly fragile economic outlook.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday stated his readiness to negotiate with Russia “in any format” once a ceasefire takes effect. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly proposed halting his invasion at the current front lines, according to the Financial Times.
With rising global tensions and growing risks to shipping, China is reshaping its trade strategy by constructing a new railway to Europe — one that deliberately avoids its close ally, Russia.
Kazakhstan and Russia are set to launch 27 new joint projects worth $8 billion, signalling a notable expansion in bilateral economic cooperation.
China’s Shenzhen Hasee Computer Co. is considering launching laptop manufacturing operations in Azerbaijan, following key talks with local investment authorities.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Jeddah on Tuesday for a two-day visit aimed at strengthening economic, energy, and diaspora-related ties with Saudi Arabia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday stated his readiness to negotiate with Russia “in any format” once a ceasefire takes effect. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly proposed halting his invasion at the current front lines, according to the Financial Times.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly suggested halting his invasion at current front-line positions as part of a peace initiative with U.S. President Donald Trump.
U.S. President Donald Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, is traveling to Moscow this week for renewed peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The White House confirmed Tuesday that Witkoff will attempt to advance negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.
With rising global tensions and growing risks to shipping, China is reshaping its trade strategy by constructing a new railway to Europe — one that deliberately avoids its close ally, Russia.
Toyota has signed a $2 billion deal to build a wholly-owned electric vehicle plant in Shanghai, as the Japanese automaker strengthens its position in China’s growing EV market during heightened US-China trade tensions.
The Holy Fire ceremony stands as one of Christianity's most enduring and mysterious rituals, drawing thousands of pilgrims to Jerusalem each year.
Pope Francis's relationship with Azerbaijan has evolved significantly over the years, characterized by diplomatic exchanges, promotion of religious tolerance, and peace advocacy in the Caucasus region.
Severe rainfall on April 17 led to flooding and landslides in the Piedmont region, prompting a large-scale emergency response from over 400 firefighters.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 16th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope and a transformative figure in the Roman Catholic Church, has passed away at the age of 88, the Vatican confirmed in a video statement on Monday.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday stated his readiness to negotiate with Russia “in any format” once a ceasefire takes effect. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly proposed halting his invasion at the current front lines, according to the Financial Times.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly suggested halting his invasion at current front-line positions as part of a peace initiative with U.S. President Donald Trump.
U.S. President Donald Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, is traveling to Moscow this week for renewed peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The White House confirmed Tuesday that Witkoff will attempt to advance negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.
With rising global tensions and growing risks to shipping, China is reshaping its trade strategy by constructing a new railway to Europe — one that deliberately avoids its close ally, Russia.
Australia’s top political leaders doubled down on plans to ban social media access for children under 16, showing rare unity on the issue ahead of the May 3 election even as pressure from tech giants is expected to mount.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday stated his readiness to negotiate with Russia “in any format” once a ceasefire takes effect. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly proposed halting his invasion at the current front lines, according to the Financial Times.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly suggested halting his invasion at current front-line positions as part of a peace initiative with U.S. President Donald Trump.
U.S. President Donald Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, is traveling to Moscow this week for renewed peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The White House confirmed Tuesday that Witkoff will attempt to advance negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.
With rising global tensions and growing risks to shipping, China is reshaping its trade strategy by constructing a new railway to Europe — one that deliberately avoids its close ally, Russia.
Toyota has signed a $2 billion deal to build a wholly-owned electric vehicle plant in Shanghai, as the Japanese automaker strengthens its position in China’s growing EV market during heightened US-China trade tensions.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment