Overview
- Decree 5516 abrogates 5503, formalizes the end of fuel subsidies, and preserves social measures including a higher minimum wage to 3,300 bolivianos and increased bonuses.
- The government says December’s pump prices remain in force—6.96 bolivianos for regular gasoline, 11 for premium, and 9.80 for diesel—reflecting prior hikes of roughly 86% to 162%.
- Controversial provisions on expedited approvals for strategic foreign investments and exceptional central bank borrowing are removed or slated for legislative debate.
- The COB lifted nationwide roadblocks after reviewing the new text, with remaining points in Cochabamba and Santa Cruz cleared on Tuesday.
- Officials cite savings of about $10 million per day from subsidy removal and estimate blockade losses near $20 million per day, after disruptions that stranded travelers and required rescue operations.