Edmundo Novillo attacked businessmen who requested the liberalization of fuel imports.

The Minister of Defense, Edmundo Novillo, lashed out at the private sector for its request to allow the importation of fuels in the face of the shortage. According to the authority, entrepreneurs seek to dismantle the inefficient YPFB to take over the hydrocarbons business. The authority accused the private sector of taking advantage of the supply crisis, "They want us to hand over the hydrocarbons market without restrictions."

The pro-government minister pointed out that the private sector has been benefited by the fuel subsidy. He said that thanks to this state support they have achieved exports and large profits. He assured that now they seek to eliminate YPFB to control exploration and commercialization.

The fuel supply crisis has caused long lines at service stations. The shortage has impacted various productive sectors of the country. In this context, entrepreneurs from Santa Cruz have asked the regime to authorize the free importation to solve the problem and guarantee supply.

Novillo flatly rejected this proposal, calling it political and unrealistic because freeing the market would jeopardize the country's sovereignty. He said that only the State must maintain control of the sector to guarantee affordable prices. "If it is privatized, prices will skyrocket and the people will be the most affected," he warned.

The minister's statements contrast with the reality of thousands of Bolivians who have to wait in long lines for days at gas stations to get a little fuel. The debate over the importation of fuels has moved to the Legislative Assembly.

The ruling party defends the need to maintain state regulation. The opposition, on the other hand, criticizes YPFB's monopoly and its inability to guarantee supply. Opposition legislators have pointed out that the state model has failed.

Meanwhile, the Government maintains that the blocking of credits in the Assembly hinders the importation of fuels. Novillo called on legislators to approve international loans. "We need resources to guarantee supply and stabilize the economy," he stated.

Does the problem get solved with credits?

However, the opposition believes that the Government is only looking for excuses to justify the crisis. Deputy María René Álvarez described Novillo's statements as misguided. She assured that the problem is structural and responds to a failed economic model and indicated that the lack of transparency in resource management aggravates the situation.

Deputy Jaime Rivas, from MAS, supported the Government's position. He stated that the approval of credits is a necessary measure and not a favor to the ruling party. "They want to destabilize the country and blame the Government," he denounced.

From the private sector, they insist that the problem can be solved by opening the market. Entrepreneur Branko Marinkovic assured that fuel could be imported at a lower price and argued that the Government maintains bureaucratic obstacles to avoid losing control of the sector. "They want to force us to depend on YPFB when the solution is at hand," he stated.

From Cainco, they reject Minister Novillo's accusations and consider it unfair to blame entrepreneurs when the responsibility lies with the regime. They point out that the supply crisis demonstrates the inefficiency of the state monopoly. "A model that has failed can't be sustained," they indicated in a statement.

Novillo, meanwhile, insisted that the legislative blockade is part of a destabilization plan. The minister cited statements from politicians who have suggested a change of Government in the face of the economic crisis. "We can't allow political interests to jeopardize the country's stability," he stated.

Amid this conflict, the population faces difficulties in obtaining fuel. Transporters and producers have expressed concern about the impact on their activities, warning that this could lead to price increases and product shortages. "We need an urgent solution," they claim.

Meanwhile, the Government maintains that it is working to normalize supply. Novillo assured that measures are being taken to improve distribution. However, he did not offer concrete deadlines to solve the problem, "We are making all necessary efforts."

In this context, it is contradictory that the Government insists on maintaining restrictions while the population suffers to obtain fuel. If the problem lies in the lack of resources, why prohibit the private sector from helping to solve the crisis. The pro-government regime seems more concerned with preserving its control than alleviating the people's suffering.