QCOSTARICA — Even though the dollar exchange rate has been steadily low for a while, we will still see an increase in fuel prices next week, specifically for super and regular gasoline, which will increase next week ¢15 and ¢31, respectively.
According to the official figures confirmed by the regulatory authority, the Autoridad Reguladora de los Servicios Públicos (Aresep) on Friday, the low dollar hasn’t stopped Costa Ricans from paying more for fuel.
“Although the exchange rate fell (…) in the case of gasoline, what explains the adjustment is, specifically, the increase in Recope acquisition costs closely related to the evolution of international costs,” explained Mario Mora, Mayor of Energy at the Aresep.
The new prices at the pumps expected in the coming days will be ¢742 for a liter of super gasoline, up from the current ¢727, while regular gasoline will go from the current ¢690 to ¢721.
Diesel fuel will see a drop of ¢14 colones, dropping to ¢624 from the current ¢638 per liter. LPG gas used in kitchens across the country (and vehicles with conversions) will also drop.
A typical 25 pound cylinder of LGP used in most homes will drop to ¢7,534 from the current ¢7,672
The above prices and others affected by the change will go into effect once they are published in La Gaceta, the official government newsletter, expected in the coming days.
Fuel prices in Costa Rica are regulated, with only one company, the Refinadora Costarricense de Petroleo – the state refinery that refines nothing, providing fuels to distributors, ie gasoline stations across the country, and all at the same prices.
Also, changes in the regulated prices are once a month. They do not fluctuate at random and for no logical reason, ie a long weekend or the location of the service station, such as a busy tourist route.
If a service station wants to stand out, that is attract more customers to sell more fuels, they have to do with added services, such as a ready mart, checking oil or tire pressure.
For visitors, just so you know, in Costa Rica you won’t find any gas stations where you pump your own gas. The attendants do the pumping.
