Rising food prices and wildfires burden the country | Encarecimiento de alimentos e incendios agobian al país

El Diario:

While MAS tensions escalate

  • The prices of basic food products continue to rise, causing concern among merchants and consumers. Meanwhile, Santa Cruz is in a state of emergency as three major fires threaten to merge in Monte Verde.
The Bolivian population is suffering from the impact of rising food prices and forest fires, which require support to mitigate the flames.

The ruling party is prioritizing the internal conflict within the Movement for Socialism (MAS), while the cost of basic food products continues to rise, causing concern among merchants and consumers. Meanwhile, in Santa Cruz, three major fires threaten to merge in Monte Verde.

In La Paz markets, according to Bolpress, a significant increase in food prices such as rice, maize, and lentils has been confirmed. Local merchants note that products that were once affordable now pose a challenge for families trying to manage their budgets.

Rice, one of the most consumed foods, has seen a notable price hike. A quintal, which previously cost around 380 bolivianos, now ranges between 420 and 460 bolivianos, depending on type and quality. Similarly, the price per pound of rice has risen from 2.50 bolivianos to a minimum of 4.50 bolivianos, affecting sales and reducing households’ ability to buy in bulk.

The prices of spices like cumin, pepper, and garlic have surged dramatically due to exchange rate fluctuations. For instance, a pound of garlic, which used to cost between 6 and 8 bolivianos, now sells for 28 to 30 bolivianos. Other products like cumin and pepper have tripled in price compared to previous months, further straining the purchasing power of the population.

FIRES

In addition, three large fires are threatening to merge in the Indigenous Community Territory (TCO) of Monte Verde, in Ñuflo de Chávez province, Santa Cruz. In response to the emergency, the 17 communities in the area are planning two marches to demand machinery, food, and personnel from national authorities to prevent a catastrophe.

Furthermore, it was reported that forest fires affecting Beni originated on public lands, according to affected residents, who are still working to mitigate the remaining heat sources.

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