Bolivia's Government Seeks Truce as Fuel Shortages Worsen Amid Weeks of Protests and Road Blockades

Bolivia's government called for a ceasefire on Thursday as prolonged protests and road blockades have created severe fuel shortages and prompted dialogue attempts with peasant groups blocking major routes to the capital. Presidential Minister José Luis Lupo announced the truce proposal at a press conference, stating it was necessary to restore normal traffic flow along blocked corridors. The blockades, which have lasted nearly 50 days, have primarily affected La Paz and the neighbouring city of El Alto.

President Rodrigo Paz met with leaders of Bolivia's Central Obrera de Bolivia (COB), the labour union spearheading the protests. The COB has demanded the release of detainees arrested during clashes with police in exchange for negotiating an end to the conflict. Government Minister Marco Antonio Oviedo acknowledged that prosecutors are reviewing detention cases but cautioned that arrest during protest differs from criminal offences. The standoff reflects broader economic grievances: the protests began on May 1 with wage demands and complaints over poor-quality fuel imported by the government, escalating into calls for Paz's resignation.

The humanitarian toll has been significant. Approximately 17 deaths have been recorded, mostly due to lack of medical care caused by the blockades, which have also created severe shortages of food and medical oxygen. The blockades have reduced in some areas but continue on major routes to La Paz and the Altiplano region of Oruro, through which fuel is imported. Cochabamba, in the country's centre, experiences the second-highest number of blockades, largely supported by followers of former President Evo Morales.

The economic impact has been substantial, with kilometres-long queues at service stations and truck drivers sleeping in lines to refuel. President Paz, though facing pressure from business sectors to declare a state of exception, has rejected both that measure and using force to clear blockades, fearing such actions would deepen the conflict. The National Chamber of Industries estimates losses from blockades and protests at 2 billion dollars. The protests reflect discontent with Paz's handling of Bolivia's worst economic crisis in 40 years, with demonstrators accusing him of favouring conservative sectors at the expense of working-class interests since he assumed office in November.