Bolivia grapples with fuel shortages and economic strain

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.

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