Bolivian protests erupt as government ends gas subsidies

Bolivian police on Monday (January 5) dispersed a march by the Central Obrera Boliviana (COB) using tear gas after protesters attempted to break through security cordons near Plaza Murillo, escalating tensions during a day of unrest in the center of La Paz.

The confrontation occurred near the La Paz municipal offices, where scuffles broke out between demonstrators and police officers.

The unrest centres on Supreme Decree 5503, which rolled back subsidies that for more than two decades kept domestic fuel prices far below international levels. The move has doubled gasoline prices and tripled diesel costs.

Earlier in the day, COB leaders withdrew from government-led dialogue over the decree, citing dissatisfaction with the lack of a resolution to their demands.

In response to the impasse, COB announced plans to initiate a nationwide road blockade starting Tuesday (January 6), to demand the repeal of the contested decree.

Production: Santiago Limachi, Sergio Limachi, Gloria Lopez/Reuters