Bolivia Faces Severe Fuel Shortage, Threatening Agriculture and Economy

Bolivia is facing a severe fuel shortage, particularly in the Santa Cruz region, threatening the agricultural sector and causing widespread economic disruption. Farmers have expressed concerns about their ability to harvest critical crops like soybeans and corn due to limited fuel access, leading to protests and blockades on key highways. In response, President Luis Arce announced ten measures aimed at addressing the crisis, including prioritizing fuel for essential services and agriculture, and enforcing restrictions on public vehicle use. Additionally, the government is implementing incentives to boost fuel imports, which have been hampered by declining foreign currency reserves. Transport operators have warned of potential strikes if the situation does not improve, as public transport services are operating at only 35-50% capacity. The ongoing crisis has raised fears of increased food prices and food security issues across the nation.