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Vesna Marinkovic U.

The executive highlights that, with the commitment to ethanol, the State has not only saved over $200 million but has also achieved a preservation of foreign exchange valued at over $500 million.

1What is the assessment within the sugarcane producers' sector regarding the production and commercialization program of anhydrous ethanol as an additive to gasoline in Bolivia?

As an agro-industry, our overall evaluation is positive. The Ethanol Program has prevented the expenditure of more foreign exchange in Bolivia and has allowed the exchange of a more expensive foreign fossil fuel, paid in dollars, for a national, higher-octane, renewable fuel paid in bolivianos. The drawbacks are not in the program itself but in the lack of planning by the authorities, which delays timely decision-making.

"The climate effects caused by traditional fuels compel us to seek and implement new energy policies to be sustainable..."

2Bolivia markets gasoline with this plant-based additive at 12% within Super Gasoline 92. Is this a suitable fuel for the national vehicle fleet?

In the five years of the program, we have not encountered any issues, as expected. Introducing this 92-octane gasoline with 12% ethanol is not groundbreaking; we have replicated successful programs implemented in over 60 countries worldwide that blend even higher percentages, resulting in pollution reduction, improved fuel quality, and reduced dependence on fossil fuels.

3Have the outstanding payment issues between YPFB and the sugarcane sector been resolved?

We have experienced delays in payments from YPFB on several occasions, and at the same time, we have been understanding of the country's economic situation. Now, entering a new supply period with the experience of these years, we will have several points to review, and the issue of timely payments will be one to address.

4How much has the incorporation of this additive allowed for a decrease in the importation of liquid fuels in the country?

With more than 530 million liters delivered to YPFB over these five years, the State has not only saved over $200 million but has also preserved over $500 million in foreign exchange. This program had a horizon, and if it had been fulfilled with planning by YPFB, these figures would have reached over $700 million in savings and the protection of over $1.7 billion in foreign exchange. Considering the state's investment in the program ($0) and the impact of purchasing this domestic fuel with circulating money for the development of the Bolivian economy, we are talking about a very good deal for Bolivia.

5Can we talk about a productive economy in Bolivia, as stated by the ANH?

Certainly, and not just because the ANH says so, but because the productive sector, including Agroindustrial, Agropecuario, and Agroenergético, contributes over 35% to the national GDP. This means they provide support to the economy from all perspectives.

6Are there any adjustments to this energy policy that should be implemented to make it more sustainable?

As seen recently at COP28 and in alignment with the commitment Bolivians made as signatories to the 2015 Paris Agreement, we must replace our energies with renewable and clean sources. All our policies should aim for this. The climatic effects generated by traditional fuels compel us to seek and implement new energy policies for sustainability. We cannot continue importing fossil fuels when we have a cleaner, more economical product right here in Bolivia.

"We have experienced delays in payments from YPFB on several occasions, and at the same time, we have been understanding of the economic situation the country is going through."