Q COSTA RICA — Fuel prices will see a significant increase in October, the Refinadora Costarricense de Petróleo (RECOPE)—the Costa Rican refinery that refines nothing—announced on Saturday.
This will be a significant hike in gasoline prices two months in a row.
According to preliminary data, the price per liter of “Super” gasoline would rise from ¢726 to ¢764 (+¢38) and “Regular” from ¢707 to ¢719 (+¢12), while diesel would increase from ¢688 to ¢785 (+¢97).
See here the current fuel prices in effect as of September 9, 2026.
The adjustment is driven by international price trends observed between August 14 and September 10.
“Markets are closely monitoring attacks in the region and the risk that the conflict could cause prolonged disruptions to the flow of hydrocarbons. Tensions have also extended to key maritime routes used for transporting hydrocarbons. The Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of global oil trade passes, remains under close watch due to the risk of new obstacles to vessel transit,” stated RECOPE.
The rates for October have to be approved by the Autoridad Reguladora de los Servicios Públicos (ARESEP)—Public Services Regulatory Authority—based on submissions by the RECOPE.
How it works
The pricing mechanism follows a structured chronological path before hitting the pumps:
- RECOPE submits its monthly data, and ARESEP applies the formula. Because the math depends on prior data, there is an inherent market lag of 1.5 to 2 months before global oil price shifts reflect at local gas stations
- By law, the proposed price adjustments are subject to a public consultation process where citizens can formally lodge objections or feedback to ARESEP
- Once approved by ARESEP’s board, the new prices are published in the official government newspaper, “La Gaceta”. The prices become legally active nationwide the day following, typically at 12:01 a.m.
Fuel prices in Costa Rica are uniform; that is, there is a single price nationwide for each fuel type, eliminating local price competition. The final price to the consumer and the prices gasoline stations purchase from RECOPE are set based on the ARESEP publication.
Why Are Gasoline Prices So High in Costa Rica?
Gasoline prices in Costa Rica remain high because motorists pay a combination of international fuel costs, taxes, transportation expenses, and fees tied to the country’s dependence on imported petroleum.
Costa Rica, despite having a State refinery, does not produce crude oil, so it imports refined fuel or petroleum products for domestic use. That makes local prices sensitive to global oil markets, refinery costs, shipping rates, and exchange-rate changes. When crude oil becomes more expensive or the Costa Rican colón weakens against the U.S. dollar, the price paid by consumers can rise.
Taxes are another major factor. Costa Rica applies a fixed tax on fuel (Impuesto Único a los Combustibles), and gasoline prices also include other regulatory and distribution charges. Because the tax is built into every liter sold, it accounts for roughly 35% to 40% of the total price paid at the pump. Even when international oil prices fall, the tax and other fixed costs continue to affect the final price.
The country’s geography adds to the expense. Fuel must be transported from ports to storage facilities and distribution.
The result is that Costa Rican gasoline prices reflect much more than the cost of crude oil. For drivers, the bill at the pump is shaped by global energy markets, domestic taxation, import dependence, and currency movements.