The state petroleum company issued warnings about safety risks at Senkata after protesters lit fires near LPG storage spheres, creating what YPFB termed an imminent catastrophe threat for thousands of families in El Alto’s District 8. The blockades prevented regular entry of tanker trucks carrying imported diesel and gasoline, disrupting the flow of fuel through Bolivia’s import-dependent supply system. YPFB reported that emergency vehicles including ambulances and fire brigades faced access difficulties due to the protests.
In Rurrenabaque, Beni department, separate protests erupted over poor fuel quality, with residents issuing an ultimatum to the government through April 10, 2026. Local protesters demanded clean fuel and compensation for damage to vehicles, threatening indefinite road blockages if authorities failed to respond. Mayor Elías Moreno reported that Rurrenabaque faced acute shortages of gasoline, diesel, and basic food products after 13 days of blockades on the Yucumo-Rurrenabaque route, forcing suspension of school breakfast programs.
The National Hydrocarbons Agency (ANH) stated that 48,000 liters of fuel in two tanker trucks awaited discharge at Rurrenabaque service stations as of mid-May, but blockades prevented unloading despite product availability. ANH Director Germán Jiménez confirmed YPFB stations held inventory for commercialization but access restrictions halted distribution. The Bolivia Chamber of Commerce (IBCE) estimated losses exceeding $500 million from blockades lasting more than 10 days, while fuel lines expanded across multiple cities. The tourism-dependent Rurrenabaque economy faced particular strain as terrestrial visitor arrivals collapsed due to road closures.
This article was curated and published as part of our South American energy market coverage.
