Dollar and fuel shortages worsen in Bolivia

Report from Radio France Internationale’s correspondent in La Paz

he The Bolivian dollar continues to fluctuate on the parallel market. Even doubling the official price, which had remained stable for years. The panorama now shows a deepening economic crisis, characterized by a shortage of dollars, a decline in exports and a lack of fuel.

Faced with this situation, the government has started dialogue with various sectors to find alternative solutions to the foreign exchange shortage. Household shopping basket prices rise The inconvenience caused to foreign trade due to increased purchases of dollars has fueled speculation in the administration.

Before Energy crisis, mainly reflected in diesel shortage President Luis Arce proposes a referendum to consult the public on the continuity of gasoline Fuel subsidiesThe opposition criticized this, believing that it is the responsibility of the rulers to solve this problem.

Much of the dollar deficit is due to subsidies that the state provides with its own funds. International reserves Companies that import diesel and gasoline.

Despite concerns about inflationary effects, different sectors have recommended ending the subsidies.