Q COSTA RICA — This month, many drivers are having to make the decision to pump super or premium gas into the tanks of their vehicles that normally use regular. This is because super gasoline is cheaper than regular.
But that will change next month, in September, when regular gasoline will once again cost less, some ¢51 colones, than the current and lower than super, mainly due to a new shipment that allows for an update to its acquisition cost.
That is the good news.
The bad news is that we will see a new round of price increases next month if the regulatory body approves without changes the request by the Refinadora Costarricense de Petróleo (RECOPE) – the Costa Rican refinery that refines nothing —that would take effect in the early days of September
If the price adjustment requested is implemented, the price of regular gasoline will drop from ¢758 to ¢707 colones per liter, while super gasoline will rise from ¢704 to ¢726 colones (+¢22 colones).
For diesel, the price per liter would go from ¢606 to ¢688 (+¢82).
“Regular gasoline was more expensive than super because the purchases were made during periods of high international demand; however, the new shipments were purchased under more favorable conditions,” explained Karla Montero, president of RECOPE.
The estimated data considers international market behavior between July 10 and August 13, according to the current tariff methodology.
One of the main factors was the conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran.
Difficulties in transporting oil through the Strait of Hormuz, along with disruptions at Iranian ports, increased uncertainty about global supply and raised the risk premium for crude oil.