Bolivia enlists military to curb fuel smuggling; shortages persist

Bolivia's president, Luis Arce, has decided to deploy the military to gas stations to combat illegal fuel purchasing and smuggling practices, which are subsidized by the state. The government believes these actions are the main cause of shortages leading to protests in the country.

Bolivian soldiers began service at gas stations on Wednesday, June 12. They have been deployed to cities including El Alto and Cochabamba, as reported by the daily "Correo del Sur."

Deputy Minister of Defense Juan Carlos Calvimontes stated on Wednesday that the military's task is to ensure that fuel is only supplied to vehicles registered in the electronic system.

In recent months, protests have intensified in Bolivia, where residents are dissatisfied with the shortage of diesel and US dollars in the market. In early June, truck drivers organized a 48-hour blockade of several highways and are now threatening further actions if the situation does not improve.

Bloomberg Agency notes that oil production in Bolivia is declining. Shortages of foreign currencies are increasingly hindering the authorities' ability to import fuel, which is sold domestically at prices lower than production costs.

President Luis Arce emphasizes that Bolivia must import 65% of its gasoline and 85% of its diesel abroad. Bloomberg highlighted that during a recent visit to Moscow, the Bolivian president sought approval to import oil from Russia.