Bolivia: Drivers Paralyze in Protest Against Contaminated Gasoline
Cars stopped on the La Paz highway. Photo: El Pais.
March 26, 2026 Hour: 2:20 pm
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The state-owned oil company admitted that storage tanks contained rust, which contaminated the fuel.
On Wednesday, hundreds of bus and minibus drivers paralyzed La Paz and El Alto, blocking roads in protest against the distribution of contaminated gasoline that “has been damaging engines for months.”
Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz had promised to normalize fuel supplies after eliminating subsidies. Although lines at gas stations have disappeared, drivers are complaining about the poor quality of imported fuel.
Juan Carlos Sirpa, a 33-year-old driver, explained that the gasoline used to be purified, but now it damages their vehicles. Meanwhile, transport organizations announced a 24-hour strike.
The state-owned Bolivian oil company, Yacimientos Petroliferos Fiscales Bolivianos (YPFB), admitted that storage tanks contained rust that contaminated the fuel. Its president, Yussef Akly, called the strike “irresponsible” and assured that the quality is “under control.”
The government received more than 10,000 claims for engine damage, of which 700 owners have already received compensation. However, discontent persists among transport workers who are demanding additional compensation.
During the strike, motorcyclists offered rides on the steep streets of La Paz, charging up to three times the usual fare, while traffic gridlocked at critical points in both cities.
The government is “investigating” officials from the previous administration for failing to warn in time about the contamination in YPFB’s tanks, pointing to possible administrative and technical negligence.
Diego Avila, president of the Senate, announced the formation of a special commission made up of legislators from various political parties to “thoroughly investigate” the case of the destabilized gasoline.
The commission, with a three-month deadline, must present a detailed report to the Senate on the damages caused and the responsibilities involved, amid the conflict with the transport sector.
teleSUR: JP
Source: France 24 – Los Tiempos
