Bolivia—another strike from the resources curse?
An IMF study fears Bolivia's gas boom could explode. It wants the government to change tack
Bolivia is under pressure from the International Monetary Fund to offer tax and other incentives to attract more foreign companies and speed up the exploration and development of new gas reserves before existing fields run dry. The IMF is also concerned at the country's fast-rising public debt as President Evo Morales's long-serving socialist government continues to spend heavily despite plummeting revenues from oil and gas exports. In its latest report on the financial health of one of South America's poorest countries, the IMF also expressed doubts about the long-term focus of state-owned oil company YPFB on "exploitation rather than exploration". It also has reservations about Bolivia's b
Also in this section
4 March 2025
The US and Canada are boosting capacity builds for renewable diesel and biofuels, while Central and South American countries are investing heavily to upgrade and expand their domestic refining sectors
4 March 2025
EU net-zero polices have shifted refining investment among member states, while across the region countries and companies continue to adjust to changes in trade flows caused by the war in Ukraine
4 March 2025
Gas auctions underperform, signalling a slow start to 2025 after bumper 2024
3 March 2025
The Middle East is focusing on modernisation and expansion projects, while Africa is seeking to reduce its imports of refined products
