October 2, 2026 — Transport unions in Bolivia’s Santa Cruz department say they will stop work for 48 hours on Monday and Tuesday, October 5 and 6, unless the government repeals a decree that raised the price of diesel. Cooking-gas distributors announced an indefinite strike from October 1 over the same decree.
The details
- Background: Supreme Decree 5716, issued September 18, set diesel at 17.95 bolivianos per litre. Transport groups held a 24-hour stoppage on September 28.
- Santa Cruz stoppage: local transport federations and cooperatives announced a 48-hour stoppage “with mobilizations” for October 5–6. El Diario reports it would cover all 55 municipalities and include city, interprovincial, interdepartmental and international bus services.
- Status: the unions gave the government until Friday, October 2, to respond. We found no report of a settlement. Exact start and end hours: TBA.
- Gas distributors: the national chamber of liquefied gas distributors, about 134 companies, announced an indefinite strike starting October 1, Prensa Latina reports. End date: TBA.
- Road blockade: Red Uno reports that transport workers in San José de Chiquitos, in Santa Cruz department, planned to block the local toll post from the night of October 1 over fuel shortages. Its current status is unknown.
- Airport: none of the reports we read mentioned Viru Viru International Airport (VVI) or the roads to it.
What it means for airline travelers
- Getting to and from VVI on October 5–6: city minibuses and intercity buses may not run. Arrange a hotel transfer or taxi ahead of time and leave early in case of marches or roadblocks.
- Overland trips: avoid bus travel into, out of or across Santa Cruz department on those two days. Bolivian road blockades can last longer than announced.
- Fuel: shortages are being reported. If you are renting a car, keep the tank full.
- Standby travelers: if you miss a flight because of a blockade, the next ones may be full. Keep a buffer day.
- Register your trip: use STEP (US) or Registration of Canadians Abroad.
Sources
- Prensa Latina — Anuncian paro distribuidores bolivianos de gas por alza de diésel
- El Deber — Transporte cruceño da ultimátum al Gobierno y anuncia paro de 48 horas desde el lunes 5 de octubre
- El Diario — El transporte de Santa Cruz anuncia nuevo paro de 48 horas para octubre
- Red Uno — Transportistas anuncian bloqueo en San José de Chiquitos por falta de combustible
