In Bolivia’s Santa Cruz, fuel shortages threaten local industries as workers prepare to strike, risking disruption of Carnival festivities. Agricultural and transport sectors demand a stable diesel supply, crucial for harvesting billions of dollars worth of crops. A March 3 deadline has been set for governmental action to prevent a strike.
The city of Santa Cruz, Bolivia, is facing a crisis due to severe fuel shortages, prompting local residents to threaten a strike that could disrupt upcoming festivities, including a much-anticipated Carnival. Workers are demanding a reliable diesel supply to continue their work, emphasizing the urgent need for fuel as crops worth billions of dollars hang in the balance.
Agricultural workers and transport operators are particularly impacted, as they grapple with the risk of leaving vast areas of crops unharvested. The general populace is also experiencing difficulties, enduring lengthy waits at fuel stations. A deadline has been set for March 3, coinciding with the Carnival, by which the government must address these fuel supply issues to avert industrial action.
Klaus Frerking, president of the Eastern Agricultural Chamber, underscored the critical nature of the fuel situation, stating that the agricultural sector requires approximately 40 million liters of diesel for the upcoming harvest. This harvest represents a substantial economic contribution, generating around 2.3 billion dollars.
Jaime Hernández, general manager of the Association of Oilseeds and Wheat, emphasized that the lack of diesel supply remains a pressing challenge, warning that over 1.2 million hectares of soybeans and 60,000 hectares of rice may remain unharvested if the situation does not improve.
The urban transport sector is also alarmed by the shortages, with only 60% of transport units operational. Bismark Daza, executive secretary of the Federation of Transporters, announced a planned 48-hour strike scheduled for next week unless the government guarantees fuel availability by the deadline. The primary aim is to ensure a steady supply of diesel and gasoline to mitigate economic losses throughout the nation.
In summary, the fuel shortage in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, poses a significant threat to both the agrarian economy and urban transport services. Without prompt government intervention to secure diesel supplies, workers threaten to strike, potentially derailing the Carnival festivities and endangering billions in agricultural revenue. Stakeholders are eagerly awaiting the government’s response to avert this looming crisis.
Original Source: www.dailystar.co.uk
