A important agreement was reached on Sunday, January 11, 2026, between the Bolivian government of Rodrigo Paz and key labor and agricultural unions regarding the controversial fuel subsidy policy. This resolution involves the repeal of a recent decree that eliminated these subsidies and the creation of a new regulation designed to maintain support while addressing concerns raised by various sectors.
This pivotal accord emerged from constructive dialogue between leaders of the Bolivian Workers’ Central (COB) and representative farming federations, alongside six government ministers, including José Luis Lupo, Minister of the Presidency.
Beyond crafting a revised decree, mobilized groups have announced the immediate cessation of all protest actions, encompassing road blockades that began the previous tuesday. These disruptions had considerably impacted transportation and commerce across the nation.
The agreed-upon terms stipulate that “Decree 5503 will be fully revoked” and that, immediately following the agreement’s signing, a commission will be established to draft “a new decree” specifically preserving provisions pertaining to fuel subsidies.”
Furthermore, the new regulation will incorporate measures supporting the rescheduling of bank loans, ”enhancements to social benefits, and a restructuring of wage policies.”
Immediate Halt to Protests Announced
“The COB and all affiliated and represented organizations in this meeting have determined the immediate lifting of all protest measures, maintaining a state of emergency until the decree is formally promulgated,” officials stated.
Following the signing, Mario Argollo, the chief leader of the COB and a prominent miner, conveyed that “neither the ministers lost nor the leaders won; Bolivia is the ultimate victor.”