Bolivia's Agricultural Sector Hit by Diesel Shortage

A persistent shortage of diesel is affecting Bolivia's agricultural sector, particularly during the harvesting operations of the 2026 winter crops. The fuel scarcity has constrained the use of tractors and other machinery, reducing yield prospects.

The harvest of the 2026 minor season maize crop, which accounts for about 15 percent of annual production, is ongoing but output is expected to be below average due to a lack of fuel and rising costs at the beginning of the season in May 2026. However, aggregate maize production in 2026 is anticipated to be above-average, thanks to an expansion of the area planted to the main season crop in response to higher year-on-year prices at the end of 2025.

Imports of cereals in 2026/27 are forecast to remain above average, driven by robust domestic demand for wheat and tight carryover stocks following a low 2026 harvest. The devaluation of the Boliviano since June 2026 is expected to increase the cost of imported agricultural inputs, further boosting import demand.