March 11, 2025. In 2024, Bolivia converted 14,324 vehicles to compressed natural gas (CNG) and reclassified 27,084 cylinders, according to the report presented by the Minister of Hydrocarbons, Alejandro Gallardo.
These figures, the highest since the program’s creation in 2019, reflect a state effort to reduce dependence on subsidized liquid fuels, which cost the country more than US$1.5 billion annually, and promote a cleaner and more economical energy mix.
Santa Cruz led the way with 5,278 converted vehicles, followed by Cochabamba (4,225) and La Paz (3,598). Oruro, Chuquisaca, and Potosí added 1,223 conversions in total. Beni and Pando did not report progress due to a lack of infrastructure.
Regarding cylinder reclassifications, Cochabamba led the way with 12,899 operations, followed by Santa Cruz (7,283) and La Paz (3,270). This process, supervised by the National Hydrocarbons Agency (ANH), guarantees the safety of the tanks every five years.
“We cover 100% of the installation costs, including the kit, cylinder, and labor, to encourage migration. It’s a step toward energy sovereignty,” Gallardo emphasized.
CNG already represents 18% of the national vehicle fleet, with 210,000 vehicles converted since 2019.
The government plans to double the use of natural gas in vehicles by 2026, reaching 400,000 converted units, and to include Beni and Pando with an investment of Bs 150 million in infrastructure. Additionally, the incorporation of CNG into motorcycles and expansion of the heavy-duty transport fleet is being considered.
