By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – A comprehensive national review has found that 38 gas stations across Costa Rica are failing to meet established standards for quality, price, and safety. According to the latest annual study by the Public Services Regulatory Authority (ARESEP), these non-compliant stations represent 9% of the 420 active fuel vendors in the country, with the highest concentration of issues located in the provinces of Alajuela and San José.
The findings are part of the results for the “Quality Seal 2025” program, which awarded certification to 91% of the nation’s service stations. While this figure marks a one-point percentage improvement over the previous year, it still leaves a significant number of businesses operating outside of regulatory compliance, potentially short-changing consumers or exposing them to unnecessary risks.
To better understand the legal framework surrounding fuel quality and the rights of consumers, TicosLand.com consulted with expert lawyer Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided clarity on the responsibilities of service stations.
When a consumer purchases fuel, a contract is formed, and the service station is obligated to deliver a product that meets the quality standards set by law. Selling adulterated or substandard fuel is a direct breach of this contract and violates consumer protection regulations. The station can be held liable for all resulting damages, including vehicle repairs. The key for a successful claim is evidence; consumers must keep their receipts and obtain a certified mechanic’s report linking the damage directly to the poor-quality fuel.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal insight powerfully reframes the issue for consumers, shifting the focus from mere frustration to actionable steps. The emphasis on evidence—keeping receipts and securing a mechanic’s report—empowers drivers to hold service stations accountable for their contractual obligations. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing this crucial and clarifying perspective.
Mario Mora, the Intendant of Energy at ARESEP, detailed the rigorous inspection process that every station undergoes annually. The agency’s teams conduct on-site visits to verify multiple critical aspects of operation, ensuring a fair and safe experience for all customers.
“Every year, we visit 100% of the active stations throughout the country, currently totaling 420 locations. We verify the fuel quality according to the technical standard, we check that the fixed price is being charged, we confirm that the dispensers are calibrated so the consumer receives the exact amount of fuel they are paying for, and we also verify compliance with safety regulations for both people and fire risk management,” Mora explained.
When an inspection, which can be triggered by a routine check or a citizen complaint, uncovers a deficiency, ARESEP initiates a formal process. Mora noted that some stations are repeat offenders, highlighting the ongoing challenge of enforcement. The consequences for non-compliance are clear and can result in significant financial penalties.
We create a technical report and forward it to the General Directorate of User Attention. They are the ones in charge of evaluating the initiation of an administrative procedure, and following the process, fines are normally imposed depending on the severity of the non-compliance.
Mario Mora, Intendant of Energy
Despite the number of failing stations, the National Chamber of Fuel Entrepreneurs celebrated the 91% compliance rate as a victory. The chamber’s president, Luis Barrantes, framed the result as proof of the industry’s commitment to high standards and highlighted a new “golden regulatory seal” created to honor stations with a perfect compliance record for five consecutive years.
This is a clear example of the effort that each of our associates makes throughout the year, which is reflected in the awarding of the regulatory seals. Incidentally, these had a different connotation this year with the golden regulatory seal, which signifies that we have stations that have been consistent over the last five years.
Luis Barrantes, President of the National Chamber of Fuel Entrepreneurs
However, when addressing the 38 stations that did not receive the seal, Barrantes described the situation as a “delicate topic.” He suggested that the failures were often due to minor administrative issues rather than significant operational flaws, arguing that these infractions do not mean the businesses are performing poorly.
I would say that it is mostly administrative, they are very small issues, meaning, we can say that those stations lack the regulatory seal for some minor reason. In other words, this does not mean that they are doing their job poorly.
Luis Barrantes, President of the National Chamber of Fuel Entrepreneurs
ARESEP urges consumers who suspect irregularities—whether in the price charged, the amount of fuel dispensed, or the quality of the gasoline—to become active participants in upholding standards. The agency provides several channels for filing a formal complaint, including a toll-free hotline at 8000-ARESEP (8000-273737), the “ARESEP Contigo” mobile application, or by sending an email to usuario@aresep.go.cr.
For further information, visit aresep.go.cr
About Autoridad Reguladora de los Servicios Públicos (ARESEP):
The Public Services Regulatory Authority is the Costa Rican government body tasked with regulating and overseeing public utilities, including the energy, water, and transportation sectors. ARESEP works to guarantee the quality, accessibility, and fair pricing of essential services for all citizens, balancing the needs of consumers with the viability of service providers.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Cámara Nacional de Empresarios del Combustible
About Cámara Nacional de Empresarios del Combustible:
The National Chamber of Fuel Entrepreneurs is an industry association that represents the interests of service station owners and operators throughout Costa Rica. The organization advocates for its members, promotes best practices and high standards within the industry, and serves as a primary liaison between fuel businesses and regulatory bodies like ARESEP.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a foundation of unwavering integrity and a dedication to professional excellence. The firm channels its rich history of advising a broad spectrum of clients into driving legal innovation and forward-thinking solutions. This commitment extends beyond the courtroom through a core mission to empower the community, making complex legal knowledge accessible and fostering a society where individuals are well-informed and capable.
