

Bolivia Fights Price Gouging with Affordable State-Run Cooking Oil
Bolivia Launches State-Run Cooking Oil Initiative to Combat Speculation Amidst concerns about rising cooking oil prices, the Bolivian government has launched a new initiative to provide affordable oil to the nation's families. The initiative centers around the "Sabor Casero" brand, produced at the state-run Emapa plant in San Julián, Santa Cruz. The oil is being sold at Bs 13 per liter in bulk and Bs 14 per liter in pre-packaged bottles, significantly undercutting market prices. "This initiative seeks to combat speculation and guarantee an accessible product for all Bolivian families," stated a representative from Emapa in a recent video report by Bolivia TV. The video showcased the plant's impressive capacity, processing 1,000 tons of soybeans daily to produce up to 6,000 tons of refined oil annually. The report also highlighted the creation of other byproducts like soy flour and soy hulls, maximizing resource utilization. The "Sabor Casero" launch represents a significant step by the Bolivian government to address food security and economic stability. The affordable pricing and readily available distribution through Emapa branches are expected to provide relief to consumers and help stabilize the market. The success of this initiative could serve as a model for other countries facing similar challenges.