Productores de leche de Cochabamba blame intermediaries for milk price hike

Milk producers from Cochabamba have attributed the recent increase in milk prices in the markets of La Paz and Santa Cruz to intermediaries. The prices have reportedly risen by between Bs 7 and Bs 9. Mario Mercado, a representative of the dairy sector in Cochabamba, stated that producers are maintaining regulated costs despite the ongoing challenges.

The regulated price of milk for industries has been set at Bs 6.80 according to the bi-ministerial resolution 003 of 2025, valid since May 2nd. Nevertheless, Mercado accused the final sellers, wholesalers, and stores of "playing with the regulated price and charging more than allowed".

While the dairy sector continues grappling with a "deep crisis" and farm closures nationwide, producers have kept prices stable. Market explained to Urgente.bo that recovering the previous levels of production, which in Cochabamba fell short of the projected 310,000 liters per day, would require time, as they currently only achieve 235,000 liters.

Despite the decline in production due to sustainability issues, Mercado assured that the supply of milk within the country remains secure. He reiterated that the price hikes are a result of "agio and speculation." "While we understand that a rational profit or increase is legitimate for final sellers, manipulation in terms of agio and speculation is unacceptable, as it detriments both producers and the Bolivian population," Mercado concluded.