Fuel crisis in Bolivia sparks lengthy queues and frustration

Record ID: 1982955

  • Title: Fuel crisis in Bolivia sparks lengthy queues and frustration
  • Date: 12th March 2025
  • Summary: SANTA CRUZ, BOLIVIA (MARCH 12, 2025) (REUTERS) (MUTE) VARIOUS DRONE SHOTS OF VEHICLES QUEUING FOR FUEL VEHICLES QUEUING AT GAS STATION GAS STATION WORKER SERVING FUEL HOSE CONNECTED TO VEHICLE VEHICLES AT GAS STATION VEHICLES QUEUING AT GAS STATION (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) LOCAL, BETTY AGUILAR, SAYING: “We are all here struggling due to the lack of gasoline, on top of everyth
  • Embargoed:
  • Keywords: Bolivia Economic crisis Fuel shortages Inflation Subsidies
  • Location: PAILAS, SANTA CRUZ, AND LA PAZ, BOLIVIA
  • City: PAILAS, SANTA CRUZ, AND LA PAZ, BOLIVIA
  • Country: Bolivia
  • Topics: South America / Central America,Society/Social Issues
  • Reuters ID: LVA001835812032025RP1
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: Long queues of vehicles have been forming at gas stations across Bolivia this week as citizens struggle to secure fuel amid a severe shortage.
    Reuters footage captured vehicles and trucks lined up for blocks in Santa Cruz, eastern Bolivia's economic hub, on Tuesday (March 11) and Wednesday (March 12). Residents reported waiting several hours for gasoline.
    "I've been queuing since last night," said Valerio Sanchez, a truck driver visibly frustrated by the delays.
    Bolivia's energy ministry announced on Tuesday a package of incentives designed to boost gasoline and diesel imports. The measures aim to revitalize the country's private energy market and overcome the extended fuel shortage that has paralyzed parts of the economy.
    According to a ministry statement, the incentives include expediting import permit approvals and reducing taxes on imported fuel supplies.
    Bolivia has relied on subsidized hydrocarbons since the 1990s, a policy that experts say has drained the country's international currency reserves and created market distortions.
    Some analysts view the current crisis as an opportunity for reform. "This is a window of opportunity to eliminate the subsidy once and for all," said Raúl Velásquez, an energy analyst at the Jubileo Foundation.
    (Production: Santiago Limachi, Sergio Limachi, Monica Machicao, Hugo Monnet)
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
  • Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2025. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
  • Usage Terms/Restrictions: None
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