BOGOTÁ, COLOMBIA (By Ana Sanches, Editores Latin Petroleum, 15.Sep.2026, Words: 314) — The Bolivian government will expand financial resources for Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales Bolivianos (YPFB) to guarantee the purchase and supply of fuel in the domestic market, reported El Diario, citing presidential spokesperson José Luis Gálvez.
The measure is part of the package approved by the cabinet of ministers and responds to the increased cost of fuels that Bolivia acquires abroad, the daily reported on 15 Sep. 2026.
According to Gálvez, the land-locked South American country currently allocates around $55mn per week to maintain the fuel subsidy.
“Currently, unfortunately, and not due to conditions created by the government, it is increasingly expensive to buy fuel from abroad,” the daily reported, citing Gálvez.
The decree increases YPFB’s financing margin, ensuring the state-owned company has sufficient backing to make external purchases and maintain the supply of gasoline and diesel.
Subsidy
Gálvez assured supply is guaranteed and ruled out any fuel shortages, but raised the need to discuss the cost of maintaining the subsidy and mechanisms to prevent the benefit from fueling illegal activities.
“There will be no fuel shortage; we will supply it, but we need to put these issues on the table to have a realistic discussion about whether we want to maintain this subsidy,” Gálvez was quoted as saying by El Diario.
Gálvez also criticized those who take advantage of the price difference to resell fuel and fuel a black market.
“There are some who corruptly take advantage of this benefit for Bolivians, reselling fuel, creating a black market, and making money immorally,” he affirmed.
Gálvez argued the debate should focus on how to protect the most vulnerable sectors without allowing the resources intended for subsidies to end up benefiting illicit activities.
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By Ana Sanches reporting from Bogotá. © 1999-2026 Energy Analytics Institute (EAI) and its 100% owned Venezuelan affiliate Editores Latin Petroleum CA. All Rights Reserved.
