Bolivia's president declares state of emergency as 50-day blockade crisis deepens

Bolivia's government declared a nationwide state of emergency as more than 50 days of road blockades crippled fuel and food distribution. BBC Latin America reported that most service stations are out of petrol and that La Paz and El Alto have seen breakdowns in food supply chains. The health ministry said hospital deliveries of medicines have been running two weeks late.

The protests stem from political tension between supporters of former president Evo Morales — who seek to block his prosecution — and the current government. In parallel, the administration announced a preliminary $20m settlement with the COB labour federation; Investing.com Americas reported the deal should ease some of the blockades.

The central bank intervened in foreign-exchange windows to soften pressure on the boliviano. Investors continued to sell Bolivian debt, with yields on the 2030 dollar bond rising about 80 basis points on the week. International observers warned that political tension is likely to intensify ahead of December's elections.