The diesel shortage has forced bus operators to queue at fuel stations for up to three days to fill their tanks, disrupting normal scheduling and reducing fleet utilization. One transport company employee indicated that the extended waiting times at fuel pumps have made it impossible to maintain previous service levels, with multiple buses sitting idle rather than generating revenue on scheduled routes. This operational disruption translates directly into reduced capacity on routes connecting Santa Cruz with other Bolivian departments.
Passengers at the terminal expressed concern that the fare increases impose significant financial burdens, particularly on regular travelers. One passenger reported paying 300 bolivianos for a ticket, noting that prices have risen by approximately 50 bolivianos compared to previous levels. The price increases affect travel planning and household budgets across income levels.
The Santa Cruz situation parallels broader transport pricing pressures in Bolivia. Local urban transport operators in Santa Cruz separately announced plans in September 2024 to increase city bus fares from 2 to 3 bolivianos, citing rising operating costs across the economy. The intercity fare increases driven by diesel shortages represent a more acute shock to the transport sector.
International bus routes connecting Santa Cruz to Buenos Aires and other South American cities continue operating, with fares on the Buenos Aires-Santa Cruz route ranging from 130,000 to 250,000 Argentine pesos depending on travel dates. These international services face the same fuel supply constraints affecting domestic routes within Bolivia.
This article was curated and published as part of our South American energy market coverage.
