Fuel Crisis Protests: Hundreds of coca farmers and Evo Morales supporters marched in Cochabamba against Rodrigo Paz’s diesel price doubling, demanding repeal of the decree that raised large-consumer diesel from $0.80 to $1.50 per liter, as shortages and higher food and transport costs bite. State Intervention in Hydrocarbons: Bolivia escalated its response by intervening the National Hydrocarbons Agency (ANH) after a similar move against YPFB, aiming to audit and reorganize fuel imports and distribution to end long diesel lines. IMF Backlash: Opposition to Bolivia’s $1.9bn IMF program is growing in Cochabamba and Santa Cruz, with unions, civic groups, and business leaders linking diesel shortages and subsidy cuts to IMF-linked reforms and demanding transparency. Energy Market Context: OLACDE reported Latin America and the Caribbean oil output rose 10% in April 2026 to 318 million barrels, while natural gas extraction grew 8.5%, with Bolivia supplying 12% of regional gas. Regional Trade & Industry: A report on used-clothing flows in Peru points to routes that overlap with illicit trade networks, including smuggling onward through Chilean and Bolivian borders. Infrastructure Pressure on Land: Bolivia and Brazil signed to start technical studies for a highway through Chiquitania, raising deforestation concerns tied to cattle and soy expansion. Mining & Finance Signals: Central banks, including Bolivia’s, continued gold purchases in July, with Bolivia adding one tonne, reflecting ongoing reserve diversification.