Bolivia's Diesel Crisis: A Looming Threat to Food Security

Bolivia Faces Diesel Crisis: Farmers and Ranchers Struggle Amidst Shortages San Ignacio de Velasco, Bolivia – A critical diesel shortage is crippling Bolivia's agricultural and livestock sectors, according to a recent press conference and report from EL DEBER Radio. The shortage is particularly acute in provinces heavily reliant on agriculture and livestock, such as San Ignacio de Velasco, Bolivia's second-largest livestock region. Farmers and ranchers are struggling to access the fuel needed for machinery and transportation, threatening crop yields and livestock production. "The shortage is tremendous," stated one interviewee, describing the impact on the region. "In the provinces where livestock is the main industry, we are facing a truly difficult situation." The lack of diesel is affecting the production of key crops including soy, corn, and sorghum, with farmers reporting they can only obtain diesel one or two times a week, if at all. The government has yet to issue a comprehensive response to the crisis, leaving farmers and ranchers to grapple with the economic consequences of the fuel shortage. The situation underscores the vulnerability of Bolivia's agricultural sector to supply chain disruptions and the need for resilient solutions to ensure food security.