Bolivia swaps energy and hydrocarbons minister amid fuel crisis

Merchants carry Bolivia's national flag while banging pots during a protest against the continuing shortage of diesel and the lack of U.S. dollars as Bolivia's President Luis Arce has called for a referendum on fuel subsidies, in Cochabamba, Bolivia August 8, 2024. REUTERS/Patricia Pinto

LA PAZ (Reuters) - Bolivian President Luis Arce on Monday tapped Alejandro Gallardo as the nation's new energy and hydrocarbons minister as the country faces widespread fuel shortages.

The previous minister, Franklin Molina, had been criticized for his handling of the ongoing issue. Unions and shopkeepers were set to take to the streets later on Monday in the city of Cochabamba to protest shortages of hard currency and petrol at the pumps.