Protests Erupt in Bolivia Over Fuel Shortages and Rising Inflation

Indigenous groups and drivers in Bolivia separately marched towards La Paz from El Alto, protesting fuel shortages and rising inflation. Thousands of Aymara indigenous people surrounded Plaza de Armas in La Paz, where the presidential headquarters is located. Access to the plaza was blocked by riot police. Drivers also protested, joined by hundreds of residents who blocked main streets in El Alto, location of the international airport serving La Paz. The protests stem from Bolivia's ongoing economic crisis, marked by a shortage of U.S. dollars and dwindling international reserves used to subsidize fuel imports. According to the Ombudsman's Office, 66% of the country's service stations lacked fuel this week, with drivers facing waits of up to 24 hours at stations that had supplies.