Bolivia Roundup: Fuel Crisis, Corso de Corsos festival, Housing sector crisis

Fuel shortage

The Bolivian heavy transport sector is facing a severe crisis as approximately 2,000 fuel tankers remain stranded in Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, and Peru due to non-payment issues. Drivers have reportedly been waiting for more than 20 days to load fuel, Los Tiempos reports. Pedro Quispe, a leader in the transport sector, warned that the situation threatens Bolivia's foreign trade as fuel shortages persist domestically. “There are about a thousand stopped, they could be about 2,000. It's not only in Peru, Chile, it's in Paraguay and Argentina. In addition, at the national level, they are also waiting in the refineries," he said. Heavy Transport leader Domingo Ramos confirmed that the issue stems from the Bolivian government’s failure to make payments for imported fuel, preventing tankers from receiving loading orders. The crisis underscores Bolivia's broader economic struggles, including a lack of foreign currency affecting essential imports.

Domestic violence complaints

Bolivia’s Public Ministry handled 1,970 cases during the Carnival celebrations, with domestic violence topping the list, Attorney General Roger Mariaca reported on Thursday. Between February 27 and March 4, the highest number of cases—643—were recorded in Santa Cruz, Bolivia’s most populous department, followed by La Paz (576) and Cochabamba (240), Eldeber reports. Domestic violence led with 406 complaints, followed by serious and minor injuries (259), robbery (166), traffic-related homicide and injuries (118), theft (96), fraud (79), and aggravated robbery (60). The report also highlighted severe crimes, including two femicides, two infanticides, three murders, and six homicides.

President Arce denounces political obstruction

Bolivian President Luis Arce has condemned political opposition forces for allegedly sabotaging the country’s industrialization agenda. Speaking at the 40th anniversary celebration of El Alto, Arce highlighted that the government remains committed to industrialisation, job creation, and economic diversification despite political roadblocks. "The national government is committed to industrialisation, job creation, and a diversified economy that guarantees, for the coming years, growth with social justice. And we are moving forward with this policy against all odds and facing petty political interests, which have resulted in blockades with millionaire losses and economic sabotage from the Legislative Assembly," he is quoted by Los Tiempos. The president pointed out that the Plurinational Legislative Assembly (ALP) has stalled over $1.6 billion in foreign credit approvals for public investments, delaying infrastructure and social programs. Arce reiterated the government's plan to establish over 170 industrial plants aimed at reducing dependency on imports and boosting the economy.

Grand Corso de Corsos festival

Cochabamba is set to host the Corso de Corsos on March 8, featuring 110 fraternities showcasing Bolivia’s vibrant cultural heritage through traditional dances and allegorical floats. Ana María Dorigo, the Director of Cultures, emphasised the enthusiasm and commitment from various groups, including tinkus, saya, morenada, and other folkloric performances. "We are among 110 fraternities, there have been quite a few fraternities registered with that spirit and that desire to dance, to put that joy. We have different categories, tinkus, the saya, which are innovating, the corporals, morenada, different comparsas too, and there will be different characterised floats," said Ana María Dorigo, director of Cultures. The festival will begin at 08:00, with the parade route covering major city streets and plazas. Organisers are finalising logistics to ensure a smooth and enjoyable event for both participants and spectators, including visitors from across Bolivia and abroad.

Housing Sector faces economic pressures

Bolivia's real estate sector is grappling with rising construction costs, with the Housing Construction Cost Index showing an increase of 23.18 points for single-family homes and 28.82 points for residential buildings between December 2023 and February 2024. The Bolivian Chamber of Real Estate Developers (CBDI) attributes this rise to fluctuating material costs and economic uncertainties. Industry experts stress that this index is crucial for investors, developers, and home buyers in making informed financial decisions.