Scandal: Carlos Alarcón demanded an investigation into the business between YPFB and Botrading

Deputy Carlos Alarcón has denounced alleged irregularities in the purchase of fuels by Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales Bolivianos (YPFB) from its subsidiary Botrading. In a context of fuel supply crisis the population faces long lines at service stations to access fuel. Alarcón demands an urgent investigation into possible overpricing in these transactions.

In 2023 YPFB paid approximately 6.47 million dollars more in two operations with Botrading. One of them involved the purchase of Argentine crude at 66.42 dollars per barrel and its subsequent sale to YPFB at 80.52 dollars. Another diesel operation for Beni and Pando presented a similar overprice, which has raised doubts about the need for intermediaries in the importation.

The Minister of Hydrocarbons, Alejandro Gallardo, denied that YPFB uses intermediaries to import fuel. But, the president of YPFB contradicted this version in an official statement, assuring that  YPFB Refinación and YPFB Logística are the only shareholders of Botrading. This contradiction has raised suspicions about transparency in the sector's management.

Deputy Luciana Campero denounced Botrading in November 2023, pointing out that this company has links with YPFB Internacional and that its registration in Paraguay raises doubts. Campero stated that Botrading imported contaminated fuels with high sulfur content, which affects public health and the environment.

The assembly member from Santa Cruz, Zvonko Matkovic, also spoke out about the case, denouncing that in 2023 Botrading bought fuel at an overprice and charged undue commissions. Matkovic criticized the Government for keeping Botrading as the only diesel importer, calling the situation an "extortion" of the productive sector.

What is the interest of the MAS in giving facilities to Botrading?

The Government has refused to free up fuel imports, conditioning supply through Botrading. Experts in the hydrocarbons sector point out that since 2021 the public bidding system was eliminated, allowing YPFB to make direct purchases. This situation would have facilitated the commission of illicit acts, as there was no need to establish reference prices.

According to Deputy Minister Adams Hurtado, producers consuming more than 5,000 liters of diesel must pay international prices, with transactions through Botrading and YPFB Logística. The official justification is that this measure guarantees supply in a critical context.

However, the Society of Engineers of Bolivia has warned of a possible energy crisis. If fuel supply is not guaranteed, there could be food shortages and transportation problems, affecting the national economy. The entity has proposed the free import and commercialization of fuels as a solution.

The lack of transparency in the management of hydrocarbons continues to generate concern. Citizens and productive sectors demand answers about Botrading's role in fuel importation. The suspicion of overpricing and corruption in these operations is increasing.

Alarcón has proposed forming a special commission to investigate the case and determine if there were crimes in the creation and operation of Botrading. It will also be analyzed why YPFB doesn't acquire fuel directly without intermediaries.

This case could also involve political figures and businessmen with possible links to Botrading. It is mentioned that the manager of YPFB had previous connections with the company and even links with relatives of high government authorities have been suggested.

Critics of the Government consider that this situation is an example of institutionalized corruption. They claim the regime's authorities prioritize private benefits over the well-being of the population. They denounce that hydrocarbons have been managed inefficiently and non-transparently.

The fuel crisis in Bolivia could worsen if immediate measures are not taken. Long lines at service stations continue and uncertainty grows. Citizens demand effective solutions and greater transparency in public management.

Irregularities in fuel importation and contradictions in the information provided by YPFB have called into question the regime's authorities. Also, if YPFB really has the capacity to supply the market. The insistence on forcing Botrading's intermediation generates more suspicions.