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.
Russia’s defense ministry has accused Ukraine of carrying out four separate attacks on its energy facilities within a 24-hour period, alleging violations of a U.S.-brokered moratorium aimed at preventing strikes on each other’s critical energy infrastructure.
Sporting legends, rising stars, and international guests gathered in Madrid for the 24th Laureus World Sports Awards, where the global sporting community came together to celebrate a year of exceptional achievements, inspiring moments, and the unifying power of sport.
South Korea’s former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was ousted from office, appeared at the Seoul Central District Court on Tuesday to attend the second hearing in his ongoing criminal trial, where he faces serious charges of insurrection.
A U.S. airstrike on Yemen’s Ras Isa oil port has killed at least 74 people and injured 171 others, marking the deadliest known attack in President Trump’s renewed campaign against Houthi rebels and raising alarm over the widening scope of the conflict.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has signaled that a nuclear agreement with the United States remains within reach, provided Washington adopts a realistic and constructive approach ahead of the second round of negotiations with the Trump administration.
A mob attack on an Ahmadi place of worship in Karachi has left one man dead, highlighting ongoing persecution of the minority group.
A Russian court has sentenced 19-year-old Darya Kozyreva to nearly three years in prison for protesting the war in Ukraine using poetry and graffiti.
The new U.S. ambassador to Japan has called for closer military coordination with Tokyo, framing the alliance as crucial amid rising regional tensions and ongoing trade disputes.
Students in Serbia have rallied outside a police station as Belgrade University’s rector is questioned over support for anti-government protests.
OpenAI has unveiled a new option called Flex processing, an API service designed to provide more affordable AI model usage in exchange for slower response times and occasional resource unavailability.
The Russian ruble has emerged as the top-performing currency globally in 2025, registering an impressive 38% appreciation against the US dollar since the beginning of the year, according to a report by Bloomberg.
A small plane crashed near Kopake, New York, on April 13, killing at 6 people. The Mitsubishi MU-2B aircraft, carrying six people, went down under unclear circumstances. This marks the second aviation accident in New York in a week, raising safety concerns.
Several regions in Ukraine faced heightened alert on Palm Sunday, as reports of explosions and missile threats drew public attention and official responses.
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.
A mob attack on an Ahmadi place of worship in Karachi has left one man dead, highlighting ongoing persecution of the minority group.
A Russian court has sentenced 19-year-old Darya Kozyreva to nearly three years in prison for protesting the war in Ukraine using poetry and graffiti.
The new U.S. ambassador to Japan has called for closer military coordination with Tokyo, framing the alliance as crucial amid rising regional tensions and ongoing trade disputes.
Students in Serbia have rallied outside a police station as Belgrade University’s rector is questioned over support for anti-government protests.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov extended Moscow’s support for the ongoing indirect nuclear talks between the United States and Iran, offering to mediate or assist in any way that would be beneficial to Tehran and acceptable to Washington.
A mob attack on an Ahmadi place of worship in Karachi has left one man dead, highlighting ongoing persecution of the minority group.
A Russian court has sentenced 19-year-old Darya Kozyreva to nearly three years in prison for protesting the war in Ukraine using poetry and graffiti.
The new U.S. ambassador to Japan has called for closer military coordination with Tokyo, framing the alliance as crucial amid rising regional tensions and ongoing trade disputes.
Students in Serbia have rallied outside a police station as Belgrade University’s rector is questioned over support for anti-government protests.
OpenAI has unveiled a new option called Flex processing, an API service designed to provide more affordable AI model usage in exchange for slower response times and occasional resource unavailability.
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