La Paz Fights Cooking Oil Hoarding and Price Gouging

La Paz Authorities Crack Down on Cooking Oil Hoarders Amidst Price Gouging Crisis La Paz, Bolivia – In a recent operation targeting price gouging, municipal authorities in La Paz uncovered a scheme involving merchants concealing cooking oil to inflate prices. The raids, conducted on May 30th, 2025, revealed significant quantities of cooking oil hidden in warehouses and shops throughout the city. Much of the oil was found to be contraband, lacking essential sanitary registration and expiration dates, raising concerns about its safety and quality. "The issue is that they are speculating and hiding the oil," stated Geraldine Ugarte, head of the Consumer Defense Unit, in an interview with BTV. "It's important to help people find where the oil is being sold so they can access it fairly." Vendors confirmed that individuals were purchasing large amounts of oil for resale, further exacerbating the shortage and driving up prices. One vendor reported that the price of a 4.5-liter container had reached 80 Bolivianos, significantly higher than the normal price. Authorities emphasized that these inspections would be ongoing to combat this practice and ensure fair access to essential goods for all citizens. The initiative reflects the city's commitment to maintaining stable markets and protecting consumers from exploitation.