EqualOcean has learned that starting June 3, the Bolivian National Heavy Transport International Chamber (CBT) began blocking roads in several provinces to protest diesel and dollar shortages. This blockade could potentially impact the transportation of over 10 million liters of fuel.
According to "Bolivian Truth News," the CBT blocked 12 locations in four provinces on June 3. Two of these locations were cleared after police intervention. The remaining blockades include five locations in Potosí, three in Oruro, one in Cochabamba, and one in Tarija.
Public Works Minister Édgar Montaño reported that protesters have damaged the main road network with dirt, burning tires, and vehicles. The Ministry of Public Works will send technical personnel to assess the road conditions and calculate repair costs.
Montaño added that they have identified the license plates of at least seven vehicles involved in the blockade. This evidence will be used to identify participants and file lawsuits with the prosecutor's office to claim compensation for road damages.
Montaño also noted that on the first day of the blockade alone, the Bolivian Road and Toll Administration Company (Vías Bolivia) lost over BOB 1.5 million in toll fees.
In response to this situation, Montaño urged the heavy transport sector to cease blocking the roads to avoid further impact on the national economy. He also requested that they allow the passage of citizens, ambulances, and fuel tankers.
However, CBT President Héctor Mercado and Santa Cruz Heavy Transport Federation Executive President Juan Yujra refused to meet with Montaño and demanded a direct meeting with President Luis Arce.
Despite the blockades, the National Hydrocarbons Agency, in coordination with the National Oil Company , assured that fuel supply across the country remains normal. The supply of gasoline and diesel is 7 million liters each, and the supply of liquefied petroleum gas has increased from 125,000 to 140,000 bottles per day.