Bolivia is reducing school hours and lunch breaks as part of fuel-saving measures amid a severe fuel shortage. President Luis Arce announced cuts to government car use, an emphasis on online education, and prioritized fuel access for farmers. The measures aim to mitigate ongoing economic strains and facilitate better fuel distribution.
Bolivia is implementing significant measures to address a critical fuel shortage plaguing the nation. President Luis Arce announced that government employees will forfeit their lunch breaks and educational institutions will reduce in-person class hours. These measures are part of broader strategies to combat the ongoing fuel crisis that has been affecting Bolivia for several months.
The country’s economy has faced challenges since 2023, leading to public protests and road blockages that have further complicated fuel delivery. Bolivia has historically thrived on gas exports; however, a decline in revenue has necessitated increased fuel imports alongside government subsidies that keep domestic fuel prices artificially low.
In a speech delivered on March 12, President Arce affirmed, “Bolivia is not bankrupt… it has an economy that continues to generate public investment.” To optimize fuel usage, the government plans to reduce the number of state vehicles in operation by half and will increase the number of online classes to minimize travel for both students and teachers.
Additionally, government work hours will now be uninterrupted from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., eliminating the lunch break to lessen traffic congestion. The government’s support measures include prioritizing farmers for fuel access due to their essential role in food production. Furthermore, military forces will be deployed to prevent fuel smuggling across borders.
In conclusion, Bolivia’s cut in school hours and lunch breaks, alongside various other fuel conservation measures, illustrates the government’s response to a significant fuel crisis exacerbated by economic challenges and public protests. These initiatives aim to optimize fuel resources and ensure critical sectors, such as agriculture, maintain access to necessary supplies.
Original Source: globalsouthworld.com
