BOLIVIA · ENERGY
Key Facts
—What happened: Bolivia’s government took over its fuel regulator, the ANH, and plans to close it.
—How big it is: The ANH oversees fuel supply and distribution across the entire country.
—What it means: A new regulator will take over, but its name and structure are still unknown.
—The catch: The closure isn’t done yet; the agency is only under temporary intervention.
—Who it hits: Bolivians facing fuel shortages and anyone relying on stable fuel supplies.
—What comes next: A new regulator is expected, but no timeline has been given for its creation.
Bolivia is short of fuel, and the government wants its fuel watchdog gone. So far it has only taken the agency over.
What the ANH does
The ANH is Bolivia’s hydrocarbons regulator. It oversees and controls the supply of fuels like gasoline and diesel.
It replaced the old Hydrocarbons Superintendency in May 2009. The agency monitors fuel distribution and logistics, and coordinates with the state oil company YPFB.
The ANH also conducts control operations against fuel diversion and smuggling. But the government says it doesn’t do enough of these operations.
In plain terms, the ANH is the watchdog for fuel in Bolivia. It tries to ensure that fuel gets to where it’s needed and isn’t stolen or smuggled.
Why the government wants it gone
On August 17, 2026, Hydrocarbons and Energy Minister Marcelo Blanco announced the decision to close the ANH. He said the agency ‘does not conduct operations’ and needs to be replaced with something more focused on field controls.
The government also points to broader problems in the fuel sector. There are allegations of corruption and fuel smuggling that the ANH has failed to stop.
Former hydrocarbons minister Álvaro Ríos supports the closure. He says institutions in the sector have had years of corruption problems and alleged diversion of fuels.
But there are no specific corruption cases named against the ANH itself. The criticism is more general, about the sector as a whole.
The replacement: a new regulator in the works
The government says it will create a new regulatory body to replace the ANH. But the exact name and legal form are not yet fixed.
Blanco said it could be “another agency, directorate, or another type of entity.” It would keep the same powers but do far more inspections.
The new regulator will also include formal participation by the Bolivian Police. This is part of the anti-corruption and anti-smuggling effort.
As of early September 2026, the closure has not been legally completed. The government has instead opted to intervene in the ANH and change its director while the new entity is designed.
The new interim director: Jorge Luis Gumucio
On September 3, 2026, Jorge Luis Gumucio was appointed as interim executive director of the ANH. He replaced Freddy Zenteno Lara.
Gumucio previously served as vice minister of energy planning and development. That is part of the hydrocarbons and energy policy area.
His appointment is part of the government’s intervention in the ANH, ordered by President Rodrigo Paz. The intervention is set to last up to 180 days.
Gumucio’s background beyond that vice ministry is not detailed in current reports. His focus is on managing the agency during the transition.
The fuel crisis context
Bolivia is facing a severe shortage of gasoline and diesel. Long queues and irregular supply have hit several cities.
The government blames logistical problems, especially at the port of Arica in Chile. More than 40 million liters of diesel were reportedly stuck there for days.
President Paz has called YPFB’s problems an ‘endemic illness.’ He has ordered a deep restructuring of the state oil company.
Fuel smuggling is also a major issue. Subsidized diesel is being diverted across borders, which the government says worsens shortages.
Policy measures and pricing changes
In August 2026, the government introduced a new reference price for diesel. It applies only to large-scale buyers, not ordinary motorists.
Supreme Decree 5676, issued on August 16, 2026, set the price at 18 bolivianos per liter for these buyers. That is about US$1.47, using the official rate of 12.26 bolivianos per dollar on September 2, 2026.
The decree covers three categories. Direct users buy 120 to 5,000 liters a month at service stations.
It also covers direct clients buying 5,000 to 19,999 liters at storage plants. And it covers large consumers known as GRACOS, who buy 20,000 liters or more at storage plants.
For these buyers, the price rose from 9.80 bolivianos (about US$0.80) to 18 bolivianos. That is an increase of about 84%.
Ordinary drivers filling their tanks still pay 9.80 bolivianos per liter. The government says the decree does not change the pump price for vehicles.
This measure is meant to reduce smuggling by narrowing the gap between subsidized and international prices. Officials say it will not affect the basic food basket.
The end of the fixed exchange rate
Bolivia abandoned its long-standing fixed exchange rate of 6.96 bolivianos per dollar in June 2026. The central bank now sets a flexible official rate.
On September 2, 2026, that rate stood at 12.26 bolivianos per dollar. This shift explains why prices are moving at all.
The weaker boliviano makes imported fuel more expensive in local currency. It also raises the cost of subsidies for the government.
For investors, the flexible rate adds another layer of uncertainty. Currency swings can affect any business that deals in dollars.
Intervention in YPFB and the ANH
Supreme Decree 5699, issued in early September 2026, placed both YPFB and the ANH under government intervention for 180 days. The move aims to fix the fuel supply crisis.
Hydrocarbons Minister Marcelo Blanco has said YPFB will step back from selling fuel over time. The company will focus on its core roles of import, refining, and storage.
The intervention allows the government to replace top officials and restructure operations. It is a temporary measure while deeper reforms are designed.
The ANH’s interim director, Jorge Luis Gumucio, will lead the agency during this period. His main task is to keep fuel moving while the new regulator is built.
What this means for foreigners and investors
For foreigners and investors, the uncertainty around the ANH’s future is a red flag. Regulatory instability can affect fuel prices and supply reliability.
The new regulator, once created, will have significant power over fuel distribution. How it operates will matter for anyone doing business in Bolivia’s energy sector.
The involvement of the police in the new regulator is unusual. It signals a tougher stance on smuggling but also raises questions about efficiency.
Until the new entity is legally established, the ANH continues to function under interim leadership. That means the rules of the game are in flux.
What comes next
The government has not yet issued a decree formally creating the new regulator. That decree is still pending, according to reports.
The intervention in the ANH is temporary, lasting up to 180 days. During that time, the government will design the new entity.
Observers will watch whether the new regulator actually improves fuel supply. The government has promised a ‘different vision’ focused on control.
For now, Bolivians continue to face fuel shortages. And the future of fuel regulation in the country remains uncertain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ANH in Bolivia?
The ANH is the Agencia Nacional de Hidrocarburos, Bolivia’s fuel and hydrocarbons regulator. It oversees fuel supply, distribution, and control operations.
Why is Bolivia closing the ANH?
The government says the ANH is not doing enough control operations against fuel smuggling and corruption. It plans to replace it with a new regulator that includes police participation.
Who is the new interim director of the ANH?
Jorge Luis Gumucio was appointed interim executive director on September 3, 2026. He previously served as vice minister of energy planning and development.
Has the ANH been officially closed?
No, as of early September 2026, the closure has not been legally completed. The government has only ordered a temporary intervention of up to 180 days.
What does this mean for fuel supply in Bolivia?
The uncertainty adds to existing fuel shortages. The government says it will create a new regulator, but no timeline has been given for when fuel supply will normalize.
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