Bolivia Freezes 3% of Bank Deposits for 180 Days
Resolution 131/2026 obliges Bolivian banks to immobilise 3% of deposits for 180 days, as transporters give the government 48 hours on fuel supply. The post Bolivia Freezes 3% of Bank Deposits for 180 Days appeared first on The Rio Times .
Bolivia's central bank has implemented a measure to address its severe shortage of foreign currency by imposing a 3% restriction on bank deposits for a 180-day period. This Reserva Monetaria Restringida, established through Board Resolution 131/2026, obliges financial institutions to set aside an amount equal to three percent of their deposits, rendering it inaccessible for lending or withdrawals.
The primary goal is to reduce the volume of bolivianos circulating to purchase dollars, as Bolivia imports fuel at subsidized prices, leading to a growing disparity between what the state pays and receives. The Transporte Libre federation, Bolivia's largest transport workers' union, has given the government 48 hours to resolve its fuel supply issue, threatening a national stoppage if immediate action is not taken.
The parallel exchange rate has been significantly higher than the official rate for over two years, underscoring the severity of the constraint. The measure aims to prevent depositors from converting bolivianos into dollars, thereby safeguarding the country's limited foreign currency supply. The effectiveness of this restriction will be monitored closely, particularly the impact on deposit behavior and whether the 180-day term will be extended, should the underlying shortage persist.
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