Samuel Doria Medina Advocates Lifting Fuel Subsidies at Agricultural Forum

La Paz, Bolivia – Samuel Doria Medina, a candidate representing Alianza Unidad, addressed the pressing issue of fuel subsidies during his participation in the Agricultural Forum. Doria Medina asserted that Bolivia's current economic state and national budget are no longer capable of sustaining the existing fuel subsidies. During his speech, Doria Medina highlighted a significant problem: a large portion of subsidized diesel is reportedly being smuggled into neighboring countries. He explained that fuel prices in these adjacent nations are considerably higher than in Bolivia, creating an incentive for illegal cross-border trade. This illicit activity, he argued, places an unsustainable burden on the national economy and budget. “Our economy cannot bear this subsidy any longer, and our budget cannot withstand it,” Doria Medina stated. He further elaborated on the detrimental effects of fuel scarcity, noting that the lack of diesel and gasoline is severely complicating agricultural production, impacting the operation of tractors and the efficiency of harvests. He suggested that while lifting the subsidy would lead to an increase in fuel prices, it is a necessary step to ensure availability and alleviate the economic strain.