Bolivia Airlifts Oil Amidst Protests: Government Responds to Blockades

Bolivia Government Airlifts Cooking Oil to La Paz Amidst Roadblocks LA PAZ, BOLIVIA – The Bolivian government has taken swift action to address food shortages caused by ongoing nationwide roadblocks. On June 9th, 2025, authorities airlifted 66,000 liters of cooking oil from the Santa Cruz region to La Paz. This emergency measure aims to stabilize prices and ensure the availability of essential goods. Ruben Segovia, general manager of the state-owned oil company Emapa, confirmed the shipment in an interview with Red Uno. "Our national government, under President Lucho, is working through Emapa to deliver this vital product," Segovia stated. He explained the decision to use air transport was due to road blockages hindering ground transportation. The oil is being sold at a subsidized price of Bs 14 per liter. The ongoing blockades, however, present a serious challenge to the country's food security. Segovia noted that the continued disruptions to transportation could significantly impact future oil production. The government's airlift is a temporary solution, and a long-term resolution to the protests is needed to ensure the consistent supply of essential goods to all regions of Bolivia.