Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales Bolivianos (YPFB) announced that it will take legal action against Deputy Héctor Arce, who reported alleged irregularities in the operation of Botrading, a subsidiary of the state-owned company in Paraguay. The lawsuit will be filed in that country, where the company operates. According to YPFB, these accusations are unfounded and affect its reputation.
YPFB President Armin Dorgathen defended the creation of Botrading and stated that it has allowed a savings of 30 million dollars in the importation of fuels. He explained that the subsidiary has reduced dependency on intermediaries and that its contracts have been transparent.
Meanwhile, the Evista Deputy Héctor Arce indicated that he will assume his defense. He also emphasized that Botrading sells fuel to the country at overprices, which harms it more in the current economic crisis.
He also pointed out that it must be clarified whether Luis Marcelo Arce Mosqueira and his entourage have benefited from the overprices. The involvement of Luis Arce's son in this corruption case has been pointed out by different opponents.
The Evista deputy Héctor Arce | La Derecha Diario
The accusations against Botrading arose after a publication by the Argentine portal Letra P, which indicated the possible existence of a corruption scheme in the purchase of fuels. The article also mentioned an alleged connection with the family of President Luis Arce, which caused reactions from the opposition.
In response, YPFB denied these accusations. Dorgathen stated that Botrading has participated in 13 bids, of which it was awarded 10 for offering better price conditions. He denied that there is a monopoly in the importation of fuels and emphasized the legality of the operations.
Deputy Carlos Alarcón requested the formation of a special commission in the Chamber of Deputies to investigate the contracts between YPFB and Botrading. He claims that the Paraguayan subsidiary sold fuels at prices higher than the market and has called for Dorgathen's dismissal.
In turn, Deputy Miguel Roca submitted a Written Report Request (PIE) addressed to the Ministers of Hydrocarbons and Economy. In it, he requests details about the creation and operation of Botrading. He questioned why the company was established in Paraguay and not in Bolivia.
Another complaint came from Deputy Luciana Campero, who argued that Botrading is not registered in Paraguay, but its Unique Taxpayer Registry (RUC) belongs to YPFB Internacional. She also warned about the alleged importation of fuels withhigh sulfur content.
Is the regime contradicting itself?
The socialist minister Maria Nela Prada | La Derecha Diario
The Government came out in defense of YPFB, Minister of the Presidency Maria Nela Prada dismissed the accusations. The authority stated that Botrading is not an intermediary, but a subsidiary created to optimize the importation of fuels. She assured that the company operates transparently and within the legal framework.
The debate intensified amid a fuel supply crisis in the country. In several cities, long lines have been reported for the purchase of diesel and gasoline, which has caused criticism of YPFB's management. The state-owned company attributes the problem to external factors and smuggling.
From the ruling party, the accusations have been labeled as political attacks with an eye on the elections. According to the Government, the opposition seeks to weaken YPFB's management through a strategy of misinformation and without solid evidence.
The Legislature will continue with the oversight of the case. The Written Report Request must be answered within 10 days, while the formation of a special commission is being evaluated. YPFB, meanwhile, insists on the legality and transparency of its operations.
Economic analysts warn that the fuel crisis could affect the country's economy. Some consider that greater control is necessary in the importation and distribution of fuels. But others point to structural problems in the administration of the regime that require long-term solutions.
Despite repeated accusations, the Government has opted to intimidate with legal actions against those who question the transparency of YPFB and Botrading. Instead of facilitating an independent audit to clear doubts, the state-owned company has focused on discrediting the accusers and the media that publish these accusations.
La Derecha Diario 
