Former Bolivian President Evo Morales (2006-2019) on Saturday questioned the decision of the Government of Rodrigo Paz to withdraw the diesel subsidy and match its cost to the international market, for which he warned that the measure shifts the burden of adjustment against agricultural producers.
[Bolivia’s Senate Approves $1.9 Billion IMF Loan: Evo Morales: Diesel Subsidy Withdrawal Is a Punishment for Producers](https://www.telesurenglish.net/evo-morales-diesel-subsidy-withdrawal-is-a-punishment-for-producers/)
“With expensive diesel, inaccessible inputs and a climate threat like El Niño, the Government chose to shift the burden of adjustment on those who work the land,” Morales wrote on his X account.
The former president considered that the withdrawal of the diesel subsidy “should be seriously debated” through the planning of “policies to protect the most vulnerable sectors and safeguard production.””They don’t care that small producers don’t know where to get money to buy fuel, fertilizers and other inputs,” Morales added.
The politician said that the Government chose to extend the state of emergency, approved on Wednesday for another 90 days, “to impose the final diesel price hike” before the summer planting and that “the really difficult part” is yet to come “when hunger devastates and food is scarce.”
Ampliaron el Estado de Excepción para imponer el diéselazo final justo antes de la siembra de verano.
No les importa que los pequeños productores no sepan de dónde sacar plata para comprar combustible, fertilizantes y otros insumos. Y cuando falten alimentos y suban los…
— Evo Morales Ayma (@evoespueblo) September 19, 2026
“How easy it is to obey the IMF (International Monetary Fund) from an office,” he criticized.Paz announced on Saturday the elimination of the diesel subsidy along with a series of economic measures to counteract the effect of the provision.
This readjustment raises the price of diesel from 9.80 bolivianos (1 dollar) to 17.95 bolivianos (1.83 dollars) for all consumers, although the cost of said fuel had an already adjusted price only for “large consumers” since last August 17.
Paz’ government has decided that the price of diesel will be equal to its international purchase cost to prevent theft and subsidies. This measure is accompanied by bonuses for productive and housing loans, and the elimination of taxes on imported goods.
The decision comes after the Senate approved an agreement with the IMF for 1.9 billion dollars, which will allow the country to access additional disbursements from international organizations for almost 5 billion dollars.
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