College of Mechanics reported engine damage due to poor-quality fuel

The College of Mechanical Engineers of Santa Cruz warned about the increasing number of mechanical failures in vehicles nationwide. The president of the guild, Miguel Bonilla, indicated that the problem might be related to the alleged poor quality of the fuel being sold in the country.

Bonilla explained that vehicles are experiencing failures in the injectors, fuel pump, and catalyst. Additionally, the lack of power has become a recurring complaint in mechanical workshops. "We have been warning about this problem for months. The situation is concerning," he stated.

Mechanics have also detected that diesel vehicles present similar failures. Bonilla highlighted that the quality of diesel has decreased and that the percentage of biodiesel in the mix could be affecting engine performance. He suggested conducting studies to verify its composition.

Social media has become a space for complaints from affected drivers. Some users have posted videos and photos of clogged injectors and deteriorated paint after contact with questionable quality gasoline. Analyst Carlos Valverde shared the image of damaged injectors in several vehicles that had refueled on the same day.

The problem also affects freight transport. Marcelo Cruz, leader of International Transport, reported that 15 trucks became inoperative due to the use of adulterated diesel. "Repairing an engine costs around 11,000 dollars. This is unsustainable for transporters," he warned.

According to Cruz, imported fuels are stored and mixed with biodiesel and methanol before distribution, without adequate quality control. He blamed the Masista government for the lack of transparency in supervising the process.

An independent study conducted by an automotive dealership in January revealed that the ethanol content in Bolivian gasoline exceeds what is allowed by regulations. According to the analysis, the ethanol percentage in Special gasoline was 23% and in Ethanol 92, 24%. But the law sets a limit of 12%.

The excess ethanol can cause corrosion in the metal parts of the engine, in addition to affecting the injection system. Alejandro Yáñez, a fuel expert, explained that vehicles are not designed to operate with such a high alcohol content without modifications.

Isn't this serious for YPFB?

Despite the complaints, the state-owned YPFB and the National Hydrocarbons Agency (ANH) assure that the fuels meet quality standards. In a statement, YPFB stated that the importation of fuels follows strict controls and that the biofuel mix improves efficiency and reduces CO2 emissions.

However, the elimination of quality homologation by the Bolivian Institute of Standardization and Quality (Ibnorca) has raised doubts. Daniel Sánchez, president of Ibnorca, indicated that the new regulations allow the ANH to accept quality certificates issued abroad without verification in Bolivia.

Transporters report that the problem is not new. Domingo Ramos, from the Heavy Transport Confederation, stated that in the past they have detected diesel mixed with water at gas stations in Oruro and Potosí. Although complaints were filed with the ANH, no effective measures have been taken so far.

Some mechanical workshops have begun recommending their clients the use of special additives to try to mitigate the effects of deficient fuel. However, this is not a definitive solution and represents an additional expense for vehicle owners.

The College of Mechanical Engineers reiterated its call to conduct independent studies on fuel quality. "We can't keep waiting. The lack of control is causing million-dollar losses to drivers and transporters," Bonilla added.

Despite the constant complaints and evidence about the poor quality of fuel, the regime's authorities insist that standards are met. However, transporters, mechanics, and experts continue to report vehicle damage, economic losses, and a lack of real oversight.