Bolivia Faces Cooking Oil Crisis: Cochabamba Residents Struggle Amidst Shortages

Cochabamba Oil Shortage Creates Hardship for Residents Cochabamba, Bolivia is facing a significant shortage of cooking oil, causing distress among residents. Housewives and merchants are struggling to find the essential commodity, leading to increased prices and economic hardship. Authorities from the city's consumer protection agency conducted inspections and confirmed the scarcity, even at the wholesale level. "There's a real shortage of this product," stated a representative from the Cochabamba consumer protection agency, during an on-the-street interview. "Part of our inspection is to identify any irregularities in the market." One housewife interviewed expressed her frustration, saying, "It's very expensive. The truth is, you can't buy anything anymore. I spent about 400 Bolivianos on basic necessities; before, 600 Bolivianos would have bought everything." The video footage shows long lines at markets and interviews with people struggling to afford basic goods. The situation highlights the vulnerability of residents to supply chain disruptions and the impact on their daily lives. The city's consumer protection agency is working to address the shortage and prevent price gouging.