Natural Gas in Bolivia. Current Situation and Related Political Issues

Abstract

There has been an increasing demand for natural gas in Latin America since the early 2000s mainly due to  economic growth caused by structural reforms.  Bolivia – as it has significant natural gas reserves –  could also benefit from this trend, yet it struggles  with economic difficulties mainly due to its  geographical location, domestic and foreign policy.  The aim of this study is to examine the South  American natural gas market via Bolivia, as well as to  analyse the related political / historical factors,  conflicts, and future prospects.