Rubio Backs Bolivia’s Government as Protests Trigger Food, Fuel Shortages

Protests and road blockades have disrupted supplies to Bolivia’s two largest urban centers, La Paz and El Alto, home to about 2 million people.

A protester faces the police during an anti-government protest in La Paz, Bolivia, on May 18, 2026. Freddy Barragan/AP

The United States has pledged additional emergency assistance to Bolivia as protests and road blockades deepen shortages of food, fuel, and medical supplies across the South American country.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz on June 4 and discussed efforts to address growing shortages caused by nationwide unrest.