Bolivia announces new law to curb fuel smuggling

[Judi Lynn]

Bolivia announces new law to curb fuel smuggling
16:06, April 06, 2011

Bolivia said Tuesday it would implement a new law to prevent illegal trade, especially the smuggling of government-subsidized fuel products, and improve border security.

"Smuggling and other illegal trade have caused a lot of internal and external problems in our border regions. This law will allow the state to address the problems with the necessary mechanisms which will give security to people living in border areas," Deputy Minister for Government Coordination Wilfredo Chavez told reporters.

Under the new law, fuel smugglers found within 50 km of the borders will have their goods confiscated and could receive strict fines or even a prison sentence if they are found to have violated the law, Chavez said.

The Bolivian government has spent heavily in keeping fuel prices low, which amounts to an estimated 380 million U.S. dollars per year.

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