In Bolivia, the inflation index registered a reduction to 0.9 percent in April. The National Statistics Institute reported that this is the lowest monthly inflation rate in the last seven months. Our correspondent Freddy Morales tells us the details.
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00:00In Bolivia, the inflation index registered a reduction of 0.9% in April.
00:06The Statistics Institute reported that this is the lowest inflation in the last seven months.
00:12Our correspondent, Freddy Morales, tells us the details.
00:18The National Statistics Institute announced that last April's inflation index is the lowest in the last seven months.
00:24We have recorded inflation of 0.9%, a downward trend.
00:35It was recalled that in addition to political conflicts that generated prolonged road blockades last year,
00:40inflation is fueled by the shortage of dollars and speculation in all prices.
00:47Let us not forget that to the extent that there is more foreign currency in the exchange market,
00:51the exchange rate should decrease.
00:54For example, if exporters were to liquidate their exports in the country and not leave their dollars outside,
01:03and if the credits that are stalled in the Plurinational Legislative Assembly were approved,
01:08there would be greater availability of dollars.
01:16It was pointed out that the government is making efforts to contain price speculation and inflation.
01:21This is very good news for the country, because there is control.
01:28There is an economic policy of the state that is trying, through dialogue, to generate conditions,
01:34to say that I will no longer charge tariffs for the benefit of the citizens,
01:38to try to contain in any way, for example, to pay 396 bolivianos for a quintal of sugar,
01:45and give it to bakers at 95 bolivianos.
01:53The economic problems are accentuated, according to the government,
01:59by its electoral use due to the proximity of the national elections in August.
02:03The opposition, which controls the legislature, blocked all government initiatives,
02:07including the approval of more than 1.8 billion dollars in international credits.
02:11It is the political crisis that generates uncertainty.
02:19Uncertainty generates demand for products.
02:22And when traders see that demand, they raise the prices of inputs, and food.
02:28There is another point, it is smuggling in reverse.
02:30When you go to the border with Bermenio and Yaki,
02:37you see thousands of Argentines buying products produced in Bolivia.
02:47After more than a decade of economic stability and low inflation,
02:51last year the country reached double digits with 10.66% accumulated inflation in the 12 months.
02:56The crisis began with a shortage of dollars due to a drop in natural gas exports,
03:02which led to fuel shortages and a general increase in prices.