An official statement from the ministry affirms that the minister remains in Oruro with the aim of finding a solution to the strike that has disrupted connections from that department to La Paz, Cochabamba, and Santa Cruz, as well as to Chile.

According to reports, Medinaceli suspended his agenda in La Paz, which included, among other activities, a request for an oral report in the Plurinational Legislative Assembly regarding the problems caused by the so-called “garbage fuel” that damaged thousands of engines.

Speaking to the press, Lucio Mendez, executive secretary of the San Cristobal Departmental Federation of Drivers, confirmed that the protests are ongoing while they await a solution from the authorities.

He reiterated that one of the sector’s main demands is to guarantee a 100% supply of premium gasoline at all service stations in the department, rejecting the sale of so-called “special plus” gasoline.

In addition to the immediate fuel supply, the drivers are demanding full financial compensation for the damages caused by the so-called “junk fuel,” as well as the repair of potholes on various sections of highways.

For its part, YPFB reported that it has already disbursed more than nine million bolivianos (almost one million dollars) in compensation to drivers whose engines were damaged by the so-called “junk fuel.” However, those participating in the Oruro strike maintain that this compensation has not yet reached their members.

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