The expected publication of the price drop in La Gaceta did not occur on Tuesday as had been expected, but will be on Friday, says the government.
Thus it will be on Saturday when the Autoridad Reguladora de Servicios Publicos (ARESEP) approved drop of ¢6 colones per litre takes effect a the gas pumps.
But, there is wrinkle. The reduction has generated controversy among gasoline retailers, who had asked for an increase to bolster their profit margins.
The ARESEP did not agree and approved a reduction that will see the price of a litre of super from from ¢735 to ¢729, regular ¢693 to ¢688 and diesel fuel from ¢656 to ¢650 Natural gas, kerosene and aviation fuels will also drop.
Meanwhile, gasoline station owners announced that if the price drop goes into effect they will close for business and layoff employees, as a means to protest the ARESEP.
Although the threat of closure may be to force the cancellation of the reduction, a closure of gasoline stations could paralyze the country as it heads out for the busiest travel period of the year, Semana Santa.
