Bolivian security forces have cordoned off the capital's presidential palace as protestors continue to demand the resignation of President Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada.
The protests are over a government plan to export natural gas through neighbouring Chile.
Government officials estimate it would generate around US$1.5 billion for South America's poorest nation.
But the movement opposed to the sale of petrol says the government is making too many concessions to multi-national corporate organisations. It says ordinary people will not benefit.