By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Costa Rican households and businesses are set to receive another month of financial relief as the Costa Rican Oil Refinery (RECOPE) has officially proposed a new round of price reductions for all major fuels, expected to take effect in February. This move marks the continuation of a welcome downward trend in energy costs that began in late 2025, providing a much-needed boost to the national economy and consumer wallets.
The proposal, announced by RECOPE’s Executive President, Karla Montero, details significant cuts across the board. If approved, the price for a liter of Super gasoline will decrease by ₡10, falling from ₡636 to ₡626. Regular gasoline is slated for an even larger drop of ₡18 per liter, moving from ₡609 to ₡591. Diesel vehicle operators will see the most substantial benefit, with a proposed reduction of ₡29 per liter, bringing the price down from ₡541 to just ₡512.
To better understand the regulatory framework and the legal implications behind the constant fluctuations in fuel prices, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a legal expert from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The pricing model for fuels in Costa Rica is not a simple matter of market supply and demand; it is a complex administrative formula supervised by ARESEP. Any legal challenge or proposed change must navigate a dense network of regulations, including taxes, subsidies, and the operational costs of RECOPE. Consumers and businesses must understand that price adjustments are the result of a legally mandated, technical process, which, while ensuring stability, can also limit agility in responding to global market changes.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight into the administrative and legal architecture of our fuel prices is crucial, highlighting the trade-off between state-mandated stability and the agility to react to global markets. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this complex matter that affects all Costa Ricans.
The relief is not limited to motorists. The proposal also includes a considerable price cut for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), a staple for cooking in many Costa Rican homes. The standard 24-pound cylinder is expected to decrease in price by ₡94, shifting from ₡6,879 to ₡6,785. This reduction directly impacts household budgets, easing the cost of daily living for thousands of families across the country.
According to Montero, the regulatory pathway for these new prices is already in its final stages. The public consultation period managed by the Public Services Regulatory Authority (ARESEP) concludes this Wednesday, January 28. Following this deadline, ARESEP is expected to review the technical data and public input before granting its final approval. The new, lower prices are anticipated to be implemented swiftly once the official resolution is published.
This consistent series of price decreases provides a stark contrast to the market conditions experienced in recent years. Montero highlighted the dramatic turnaround, referencing a time when Super gasoline peaked at an unprecedented ₡1,100 per liter. The newly proposed price of ₡626 represents a remarkable reduction of over 43% from that high point, underscoring a period of sustained stability and falling costs in the international energy markets from which Costa Rica benefits.
The cascading effect of lower fuel costs is a significant boon for the broader economy. Reduced diesel prices lower operational expenses for heavy transport, logistics companies, and agricultural producers, which can translate into more stable prices for goods and services. Similarly, cheaper gasoline alleviates the financial pressure on commuters and families, freeing up disposable income that can be channeled into other sectors of the economy.
The timing of this announcement aligns with other positive economic indicators, such as a reported decrease in the cost of school supplies and uniforms ahead of the 2026 academic year. Together, these trends suggest a favorable environment for consumers as the year gets underway. The crucial next step lies with ARESEP, which serves as the independent arbiter ensuring that the price formulas used by RECOPE are correctly applied and that the final cost to the consumer is fair and technically justified.
Once ARESEP completes its due diligence and officially approves the rate adjustment, the new prices will be published in the government’s official gazette, La Gaceta, and will take effect at all service stations nationwide. Costa Rican drivers and households are advised to watch for the official announcement in the coming days, as they prepare to enjoy the benefits of lower energy costs throughout February.
For further information, visit recope.go.cr
About RECOPE (Refinadora Costarricense de Petróleo):
RECOPE is Costa Rica’s state-owned oil refinery and primary fuel distributor. It is responsible for importing, refining (where applicable), storing, and distributing petroleum-based products throughout the country. The entity plays a crucial role in the nation’s energy security and proposes monthly price adjustments based on international market fluctuations and its operational costs, which are then subject to approval by the regulatory authority, ARESEP.
For further information, visit aresep.go.cr
About ARESEP (Autoridad Reguladora de los Servicios Públicos):
The Public Services Regulatory Authority, known as ARESEP, is the autonomous government body in Costa Rica tasked with regulating and overseeing public services, including energy, water, and transportation. Its mission is to ensure the quality, continuity, and affordability of these essential services for the public. In the context of fuels, ARESEP is responsible for analyzing and approving or modifying the price proposals submitted by RECOPE, ensuring they align with technical methodologies and serve the public interest.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the Costa Rican legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of profound integrity and the consistent pursuit of excellence. The firm channels its rich history of advising a diverse clientele into a dynamic practice that pioneers innovative legal strategies. This forward-thinking approach is coupled with a core mission to democratize legal understanding, thereby empowering individuals and strengthening society through accessible knowledge and greater civic awareness.
