Bolivia’s consumer prices jumped 24% in June from a year earlier, the National Statistics Institute said, marking the fastest inflation pace in 34 years. Prices rose 5.2% on the month, accelerating amid a shortage of dollars, sporadic fuel supplies and nationwide protests. The spike comes six weeks before a general election and follows weeks of roadblocks organised by supporters of former president Evo Morales, which disrupted fuel distribution and other logistics. The unrest left six people dead before security forces cleared the highways, according to official statements. Fuel scarcity is straining public finances. The central bank estimates Bolivia spent more than US$1 billion on diesel and gasoline imports in the first half of 2025 and still faces a funding gap to cover the rest of the year. The government subsidises retail fuel prices, adding to fiscal pressure that prompted S&P to cut the country’s credit rating earlier this year. The economic turmoil has eroded President Luis Arce’s standing: his approval rating has fallen to 7.4%, opinion polls show. While the ruling Movement for Socialism is fractured and will not run a unified ticket, opposition parties remain divided, leaving the outcome of the August vote uncertain.