Bolivia scraps diesel subsidy to combat fuel shortages
Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz on Friday announced the end of state diesel subsidies, shifting the country to a unified pricing model to help resolve chronic fuel shortages.
Bolivia imports roughly 90% of its diesel, and the government spends approximately $55 million weekly on subsidies, according to Paz.
"Starting today, diesel will cost what it costs us to buy abroad," Paz said, citing rampant fuel smuggling and black-market reselling as key drivers of the weekly deficit.
To offset the financial strain on households and key economic sectors, the administration unveiled targeted relief measures, including direct cash transfers and preferential credit lines. (Reuters)