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Bolivia swaps energy and hydrocarbons minister in the middle of fuel crisis

Bolivian President Luis Arce on Monday tapped Alejandro Gallardo as the country's brand-new energy and hydrocarbons minister as the nation deals with extensive fuel scarcities.

The previous minister, Franklin Molina, had actually been criticized for his handling of the continuous concern. Unions and storekeepers were set to take to the streets in the future Monday in the city of Cochabamba to object shortages of hard currency and fuel at the pumps.

There is still much work to be done, Arce said in a live message after likewise swapping out the nation's labor and rural advancement ministers. Each modification represents a chance to resolve several issues we're facing.

Arce's government is

handling an energy crunch

connected to years of decreasing oil and gas production, that has actually hit exports and the nation's main source of foreign currency. Demonstrations versus regular diesel scarcities have actually ended up being common since the start of this year.

Landlocked Bolivia imports half of the gas needed to satisfy domestic demand, costing some $800 million every year, and as much as 80% of diesel materials.

The president has actually previously said he would address shortages through fresh

supplies shipped from Russia

, and

state company YPFB is investing greatly

in a recently found natural gas mega field.

We're aiming to reduce reliance on imported fuels by doing something about it which allow us to diversify our choices, Gallardo stated together with Arce on Monday.

(source: Reuters)