Purchases went from US$ 1,109.9 million to US$ 2,848 million.
In a decade, between 2014 and 2023, the value of fuel imports (gasoline and diesel) has almost tripled in Bolivia. During this period, the State has spent US$14,315.5 million for the purchase of fuel.
According to data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE), in 2014 Bolivia imported 1,059,779 tons of fuels worth US$ 1,109.9 million. Last year, purchases rose to 2,265,565 tons for a value of US$ 2,848 million.
In volume, purchases have grown by 114% (they have more than doubled) and in value, 157% (they have almost tripled). The fuel most purchased, both in volume and value, is diesel.
President Luis Arce Catacora revealed on Tuesday that the Bolivian State imports 86% of the diesel and 56% of the gasoline consumed in the domestic market.
Showing figures, he explained that in recent years fuel imports increased due to the decline of oil production fields.
DIESEL
“The most pathetic thing is always the diesel issue. In 2015, the import and national production of diesel was 50 and 50 with the levels of (natural) gas that we had at that time, gas production is falling with depletion of fields and today we are importing 86% of diesel and only We are producing 14%,” stated the president, at a press conference, at the Casa Grande del Pueblo.
In 2023, the Bolivian State imported 1,499,611 tons of diesel compared to 820,484 tons in 2014, which represents a growth of 82.8%. Regarding the amount paid for the purchase of fossil fuel, the increase was 119.7%, from US$ 828.9 million in 2014 to US$ 1,821.1 million in the last administration.
Arce indicated that fuel consumption is increasing year after year and production is reducing because there was no hydrocarbon policy in the previous administration of former President Evo Morales. And he clarified that despite having been Minister of Economy in that mandate, this task was the exclusive responsibility of the Ministry of Hydrocarbons at that time.
GASOLINE
A similar situation occurs with gasoline. The Head of State explained that Bolivia imports 56% of this fuel, while a decade ago the figure only reached 22%.
“Gasoline consumption is increasing and gasoline production is decreasing. Before we imported only 22% towards 2014, that is to say that 78% of consumption came from internal production, now we are importing 56% of the gasoline and we are only producing 44% of the gasoline that we need in our country," he said. .
According to the information processed, based on INE data, in 2014, 239,295 tons of gasoline were purchased for an amount of US$ 281 million. Last year, the volume of imports grew to 765,954 tons and the amount paid amounted to US$ 1,026.9 million.
The increase in volume was 220.1% and in value, 265.4%.
Arce pointed to Morales as responsible for this problem. However, he assured that his Government is working “as it should be done” to explore new gas wells and thus guarantee production and domestic consumption.
The President lamented. Likewise, the diversion of diesel and gasoline, especially to neighboring countries where costs are higher, and reported that between 2017 and 2020, one million liters of diesel and gasoline were seized that were going to be used for other services, to the detriment of the population. “Much of the excess demand you see at gas stations is due to the diversion of fuel. The Government is acting,” he confirmed.
SAVING
The Government reported yesterday that it has designed a fuel supply plan that diversifies sources and improves logistics, which will save around US$150 million in the first year. Logistics costs are expected to be reduced by about US$250 million through 2025.
The Minister of Hydrocarbons and Energy, Franklin Molina, reported that the plan was developed in an information meeting held in the Legislative Assembly. “We have developed mechanisms to manage the supply of fuel, which until 2021 depended on two or three suppliers, such as Vitol and Trafigura, who supplied more than 85% of diesel and gasoline,” he indicated, according to a press release.
SUPPLIERS
The minister explained that under President Arce, suppliers diversified, incorporating Asian and European companies. In addition, work was done on supply mechanisms, especially given the increase in logistics costs during 2022 and part of 2023.
Regarding the import of crude oil, Molina indicated that Bolivia is not an oil producing country, although production is encouraged. However, the official clarified that it will not be enough for the coming years.
For this reason, he said, in 2021 a decree was issued for Yacimientos Petroliferos Fiscales Bolivianos (YPFB) to import crude oil, increasing refining capacity and improving the supply of lubricants and oils crucial for the productive sector.
Likewise, he pointed out that YPFB carried out the distribution of fuel in a complex context.
