LatinNews Daily - 14 November 2024

*Bolivia’s hydrocarbons minister, Alejandro Gallardo, has announced the approval of a decree (5271) that authorises the free importation and sale of fuel to cover domestic demand for one year. The move is a response to demands from organisations such as private sector lobby, Cámara Agropecuaria del Oriente (CAO), based in the eastern opposition stronghold department of Santa Cruz, to address major fuel shortages in the country, which the government led by President Luis Arce claims are being exploited by supporters of former president Evo Morales (2006-2019) to foment unrest against it. Morales is locked in a power struggle with Arce over the 2025 presidential candidacy for the ruling left-wing Movimiento al Socialismo (MAS). Gallardo said that state hydrocarbon company Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales Bolivianos (YPFB) would continue to import and sell fuel at subsidised prices. This follows the approval of another decree (5218) issued on 4 September which simplifies the legal and technical requirements for companies to directly import fuel for their own consumption. According to state news agency ABI, as of this month, at least eight agricultural companies and cooperatives are directly importing fuel for their own consumption. With the latest decree, cooperatives, private businesses, and farmers, among others will be able not only to import fuel but sell it.