Bolivian drivers start national blockade due to contaminated gasoline and poor road conditions

Published at: 05/05/2026 08:30 AM

The Bolivian public transport sector began a national blockade of roads and urban roads on Tuesday, in a measure of pressure that has paralyzed the country's main cities. The mobilization, led by the Confederation of Drivers of Bolivia, responds to the persistent crisis due to the import of “poor quality” gasoline, which, according to the carriers, has caused severe mechanical damage to thousands of vehicles and high repair costs that the union can no longer afford.

The protests have critically affected the departments of La Paz, Cochabamba, Santa Cruz, Tarija and Sucre, interrupting interdepartmental traffic and economic activity. In cities such as El Alto and La Paz, the road collapse forced the suspension of school classes and difficulties in moving workers. The demonstrators are demanding economic compensation for damaged engines and strict control over the fuels distributed by the state company YPFB, after months of complaints without definitive solutions.

The executive of the Departmental Federation of Drivers of La Paz, Edson Valdez, issued a harsh warning to the central government, stating that the patience of the sector has run out.

Valdez criticized fuel supply management and warned that, if a dialogue table with immediate results is not set up, the grassroots could radicalize their measures and even demand the resignation of President Rodrigo Paz, whose administration faces one of its most complex social challenges since taking office.

For its part, the government has tried to calm the waters by ensuring that the supply of gasoline is guaranteed and that compensation processes have been initiated for those affected. However, the drivers have ruled out stopping the strike, arguing that any negotiation must take place in the midst of mobilizations.

Meanwhile, trunk roads remain cut off by trucks and buses, leaving hundreds of passengers and cargo carriers stranded waiting for an agreement to break free from the conflict.

Mazo News Team