24-Hour Ultimatum: Bolivia's Fuel Crisis Ignites Mototaxi Protests

Santa Cruz Mototaxistas Issue 24-Hour Ultimatum Over Fuel Shortages Santa Cruz, Bolivia is facing growing tension as mototaxistas, or motorcycle taxi drivers, have issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the state-owned oil company, YPFB, demanding an immediate resolution to the ongoing fuel crisis. The shortage has left many mototaxistas unable to work, impacting their income and causing significant hardship. The ultimatum threatens widespread protests and disruptions if YPFB fails to address the fuel scarcity within the given timeframe. "We are tired of these long lines," stated Ariel Muñoz, president of the Federation of August 9, a mototaxi association. "We are only allowed to fill our tanks with 10 liters, which is barely enough for one day's work." Muñoz emphasized the dire situation faced by mototaxistas, many of whom rely on their daily income for survival. Videos circulating on social media show extensive lines of mototaxis at gas stations stretching for blocks. The situation is further exacerbated by reports of previous incidents, including a woman recently killed in a traffic accident possibly related to the fuel shortage and the resulting congestion. The government has yet to issue an official statement addressing the crisis or the mototaxistas' demands. The 24-hour deadline adds urgency to the situation, raising concerns about potential widespread protests and further disruptions in Santa Cruz. The outcome of this ultimatum will be closely watched as it could serve as a barometer for the government's ability to manage the fuel crisis and address the concerns of its citizens.