Bolivia's Roadblocks Fuel Soaring Food Prices

Roadblocks in Bolivia Trigger Soaring Chicken and Beef Prices La Paz, Bolivia – Roadblocks across Bolivia have sent the prices of essential goods skyrocketing, leaving consumers and retailers struggling. The price of chicken has jumped to between 32 and 35 Bolivianos per kilo, while beef has reached a staggering 80 Bolivianos per kilo. These increases are directly attributed to blockades disrupting transportation routes and causing fuel shortages. "We bought the chicken for 31 Bolivianos, but now we have to sell it for 34," explains Miguel Rivero, a representative of the Association of Poultry Merchants. "People don't have enough money, and we're unfairly accused of price gouging." Rivero highlights the challenges faced by retailers, who are struggling to get supplies to market due to road closures and high fuel prices reaching 12-13 Bolivianos per liter. The situation underscores the vulnerability of Bolivia's food supply chain to disruptions. The protests and blockades, while raising important issues, have created hardship for ordinary citizens. The government is urged to find a swift resolution to ease the burden on the population and stabilize prices.