A severe fuel shortage in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, threatens the local carnival and agricultural activities as residents prepare to strike unless the government ensures diesel supply. With billions of dollars at stake, agricultural producers and transport operators are pressing for immediate action before the carnival commences on March 3.
A fuel crisis in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, threatens a beloved carnival as residents prepare to strike. Locals demand urgent assurances from authorities regarding a steady supply of diesel for essential services. Agricultural sectors and transport operators face serious challenges, with billions in crops at risk due to unharvested fields, while the public endures long queues for fuel.
The government has been given a March 3 deadline by agricultural representatives to avert industrial action before the carnival festivities commence. Klaus Frerking, president of the Eastern Agricultural Chamber (CAO), emphasized that fuel is not merely preferred, but essential for the upcoming harvest of 2.5 million tons of soybeans. He stated, “We need fuel, after Carnival the harvest begins; we need at least 40 million litres of diesel just to harvest so as not to put at risk the 2.3 billion dollars generated by this harvest and the entire agricultural sector.”
The Association of Oilseeds and Wheat (ANAPO) has raised concerns that vast areas of soybeans and rice could be left unharvested due to the diesel shortage. Jaime Hernández, general manager of ANAPO, highlighted the critical situation, saying, “The diesel issue is a major concern for producers… We have begun harvesting 1.2 million hectares of soybeans, which represents a production of at least 2.5 million tons of soybeans.”
Urban transport representatives are experiencing significant difficulties as well. Bismark Daza, executive secretary of the Federation of Transporters, reported that only 60% of transport units are operational due to fuel shortages, explaining that the remaining vehicles are trapped in fuel station queues. He confirmed that the transport sector has set a deadline for the government, declaring that if fuel distribution does not improve by March 3, a 48-hour strike will commence next Wednesday and Thursday.
To mitigate the impending economic crisis, an effective solution must be established to guarantee the availability of diesel and gasoline across the nation. The anticipation of Carnival festivities heightens the urgency for immediate resolutions to support both the agricultural and transportation sectors in Bolivia.
In summary, Bolivia faces a critical fuel shortage in Santa Cruz, which jeopardizes both agricultural productivity and public transport. With a looming strike over the inadequate diesel supply, authorities must address these pressing concerns to prevent economic fallout and ensure celebrations can go forward. The actions mandated by agricultural and transport leaders highlight the necessity for government intervention before the upcoming carnival.
Original Source: www.dailystar.co.uk
