"Bolivians Struggle Amid Economic Downturn: Scarcity of Rice, Sugar, and Eggs Sparks Despair"
Living on the Edge: A Crisis that Threatens Bolivia's Future
The brutal reality of economic distress has left Bolivia's streets lined with citizens hungering for change. With soaring inflation, dwindling foreign exchange reserves, and scarcity of essential supplies, the country teeters on the brink of destruction.
"I never thought we'd be rationing food and scrutinizing toilet paper purchases," shares 65-year-old pensioner, Rocio Perez, her voice quivering as she talks to AFP from her La Paz home. Living amidst her family, including her children and grandchildren, they struggle to find sustenance as food shortages grip the nation.
Persevering through the frigid cold at a state-subsidized grocery warehouse, 40-year-old Sonia queues from 5 am for cooking oil. However, the meager stocks vanish just a couple of hours into the morning, leaving her and other early risers in luck while the rest return home empty-handed.
"The weight of my responsibility weighs heavily on me," declares Sonia, a single mother of six. "Working round the clock to support my family and still having to line up for hours… it's wearing me down."
Disgruntled customers vent their fury at the increasing scarcity, banging on the store's metal doors and shouting at the workers inside. "There's no rice, no sugar, no eggs—nothing left," exclaims 30-year-old Gisela Vargas, echoing the frustration of many Bolivians.
Poverty-stricken Bolivia, inhabited by 12 million people, boasts vast mineral resources like gas and lithium[1]. Yet, despite its riches, the nation remains one of the poorest in South America. State oil company YPFB reported in 2023 that the country is running out of natural gas due to a lack of investment in new exploration[1]. This decline in gas exports caused foreign currency reserves to plummet, making it impossible for the nation to import required fuel and essential products.
Inflation in May soared to 18.46%, the highest inflammation in nearly two decades, with the local currency, the Boliviano, continuing to devalue[1]. Economist Jose Luis Evia, a former board member of the Central Bank of Bolivia, points out that wages are deteriorating substantially, worsened by rising inflation.
Exacerbating the crisis is the power struggle between President Luis Arce and former leader Evo Morales. Morales supporters have been blocking major routes since June 2, adding to the chaos and hardship in this resource-rich, but beleaguered nation. At least five lives have been lost during clashes before the elections scheduled for August[1].
Many Bolivians demand a radical departure from the current political trajectory, with 89% of the population yearning for a different direction, according to a Panterra consultancy survey in March[1]. Rising costs of living pose the most pressing concern, as the government's inability to address the crisis leaves millions vulnerable to the ongoing hardship and uncertainty.
"I feel helpless," shares 69-year-old street vendor, Francisca Flores, at La Garita de Lima, a bustling commercial area in La Paz. "I worry about my meager income and the rising cost of chicken—it's just become unaffordable." Flores supplements her diet with omelets and egg dishes, all in an effort to stretch her budget.
The scarcity of medicines has become a significant concern as well. "The healthcare system is in shambles," admits economist Jose Luis Evia. "With the economic turmoil exacerbating medicine prices and accessibility, the general population faces distress in securing essential drugs."
The left might be headed for a fall, according to economist Jose Luis Evia, given the growing consensus for change among the population[1]. As August elections approach, immediate policy relief seems elusive, leaving the population—especially the poor—faced with continuous hardship and uncertainty.
© 2025 AFP
- "Despite Bolivia's abundant resources like gas and lithium, the nation's financial woes are evident in the high inflation rates and dwindling foreign currency reserves, suggesting a need for a reevaluation of economic policies in the realm of politics."
- "Amidst the general-news headlines highlighting the crisis threatening Bolivia's future, the scarcity of essential supplies, medicines, and even goods as basic as cooking oil, pose a significant threat to the well-being of the nation's businesses and citizens alike."
