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Protests have broken out in Bolivia due to fuel shortages caused by delayed diesel shipments from Russia.

What’s the deal: Bolivia’s transport unions have launched protests, blaming the government for worsening the diesel shortage. The nationwide strike has severely disrupted daily life and transportation, causing many businesses to operate below capacity. Strategic road blockades have been set up, leading to the closure of some border areas.

What the government is saying: In response to the protests, Bolivian President Luis Arce has acknowledged the fuel shortages and announced measures to address the crisis. He shared on social media that an Interministerial Committee has been formed to tackle the issue. The president also blamed the delay in diesel shipments on bad weather at the Chilean port of Arica, which handles Bolivian cargo.

More on Bolivia’s gas problems: Bolivia relies heavily on fuel imports, sourcing about half of its gasoline and up to 80% of its diesel from other South American countries. Recently, the country has also been buying oil from Russia at discounted prices due to Western sanctions imposed on Russian oil.