Bolivia: Rice producers block the Santa Cruz-Beni highway after a rise in diesel prices

Published at: 26/08/2026 09:51 AM

Rice producers initiated an indefinite blockade on the highway that connects the departments of Santa Cruz and Beni, in Bolivia, in a resounding rejection of the application of Supreme Decree 5676. The measure of force interrupts traffic through this strategic road artery in protest against the drastic increase in fuel prices dictated by the National Executive.

The president of Marbán's rice producers, Jhonatan Zárate, confirmed the collective action and warned of the economic repercussions of the regulations. “As the cost of production increases, so should the value of our harvest. It will be an increase in the basic food basket, because with our production we contribute to food security,” argued the leader in substantiating the claim, Telesur explained.

The government provision establishes an increase in the diesel rate, from 9.80 to 18 Bolivians per liter, which represents an increase of 0.84 to 1.55 dollars for large consumers in the agro-industrial and mining sectors. Farmers argue that this new tariff structure compromises the economic sustainability of planting and harvesting.

The closure of the important interdepartmental route is taking place despite the state of emergency that has been in force in Bolivian territory since last June 20. The representatives of the rice industry conditioned the suspension of the protest on the opening of a direct dialogue with the authorities and the rectification of the economic policy implemented.

Mazo News Team