Protest in Trinidad, Bolivia: Rice farmers demand diesel to save summer planting

Hundreds of farmers and transporters warn that fuel shortages put 70 thousand hectares of crops at risk, with a deadline before the start of the rains In Trinidad, a massive protest led by rice producers, transporters and citizens mobilized in a long line of vehicles, sounding their horns in demand of an urgent solution to the problem of the shortage of diesel needed for the summer rice planting campaign. Nearly 600 vehicles, including trucks, agricultural machinery and private vehicles, drove through the city's avenues demanding a response to the supply of diesel. David Pérez, president of the Departmental Association of Rice Producers in Beni, explained that the situation is worrying, because the planting of some 70 thousand hectares for the summer campaign is in danger. The march had as its destination one of the fuel pumps in Trinidad, then advanced towards the YPFB offices in the city. “It is crazy because there is no diesel, producers are desperate to sow before the start of ...