By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – Costa Rican drivers are facing a mixed outlook at the pump in the coming weeks, as the latest tariff adjustment proposal reveals a welcome drop in gasoline prices but a concurrent rise in the cost of diesel and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). The proposed changes, submitted by the Costa Rican Oil Refinery (Recope) to the Public Services Regulatory Authority (Aresep) on Friday, underscore the volatile nature of global energy markets and their direct impact on the national economy.
According to the preliminary data, consumers of gasoline will experience a noticeable relief. The price for a liter of Super gasoline is projected to decrease by ₡12, falling from ₡677 to ₡665. Drivers using Regular gasoline will see an even more significant reduction of ₡22 per liter, with the price dropping from ₡662 to ₡640. This downturn offers a much-needed respite for household budgets and commuters who have contended with fluctuating fuel costs throughout the year.
To delve into the regulatory complexities and consumer implications of the recent fuel price adjustments, TicosLand.com sought the expert opinion of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a seasoned attorney from the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The pricing model in Costa Rica, meticulously regulated by ARESEP, is a complex formula tied to international markets and RECOPE’s cost structure. While this legal framework aims to provide price stability, it inherently limits free market competition. The core legal and economic debate is whether this state-controlled system truly serves the consumer’s best interest versus a more liberalized model that could foster efficiency and potentially lower costs.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The insight from Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas expertly frames the core dilemma facing Costa Rican consumers: the trade-off between the predictable stability of a regulated system and the potential cost-saving efficiencies of a competitive market. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable and clarifying perspective on this fundamental issue.
The primary driver behind the lower gasoline prices is a confluence of factors in the international market, particularly in the United States. A significant increase in U.S. crude oil and gasoline inventories has created a supply surplus. Crude reserves grew by 1.8 million barrels, while gasoline stockpiles swelled by 4.1 million barrels. This buildup is attributed to American refineries operating at a high capacity of 94% and a seasonal decline in demand following the end of the summer driving season.
Further contributing to this downward pressure is the strategic maneuvering of global oil producers. The OPEC+ alliance increased its production by 137,000 barrels per day in October, signaling a more abundant supply to the global market. Concurrently, Iraq has been intensifying its efforts to resume crude oil exports to Turkey, a move that, if successful, would further ease supply constraints and stabilize or lower international prices for crude oil and its derivatives like gasoline.
However, the positive news for gasoline users is contrasted by price hikes for other essential fuels. The cost of diesel is slated to rise by ₡4 per liter, moving from ₡556 to ₡560. This increase, though seemingly modest, carries significant weight for the nation’s logistics, public transportation, and industrial sectors, which rely heavily on diesel fuel. A sustained increase could eventually translate to higher costs for goods and services across the country.
Similarly, households that depend on LPG for cooking and heating will see their expenses rise. The price of a standard 25-pound cylinder of cooking gas is expected to increase by ₡55, climbing from ₡7,003 to ₡7,058. This adjustment directly affects the cost of living for thousands of families throughout Costa Rica.
The upward trend in diesel prices is largely linked to specific geopolitical and logistical challenges, particularly concerning Russia. While Russia’s seaborne crude oil exports have hit their highest levels since May 2024, its diesel exports have been slashed by half compared to the beginning of this year. This sharp reduction is a direct result of damage sustained by several key Russian refineries, which has severely limited their production capacity and constricted the international supply of diesel, keeping its price elevated.
As these proposed changes await final approval from Aresep, they serve as a clear illustration of Costa Rica’s exposure to global energy dynamics. The diverging paths of gasoline and diesel prices highlight how different products can be influenced by unique supply and demand pressures, creating a complex economic landscape for both consumers and businesses. The final tariff, once authorized, will reflect these international realities at every fuel station in the nation.
For further information, visit recope.go.cr
About Recope:
The Refinadora Costarricense de Petróleo (Recope) is Costa Rica’s state-owned company responsible for the importation, refining, and wholesale distribution of petroleum products throughout the country. It plays a crucial role in ensuring a stable supply of fuels such as gasoline, diesel, and LPG to meet national demand.
For further information, visit aresep.go.cr
About Aresep:
The Autoridad Reguladora de los Servicios Públicos (Aresep) is the Public Services Regulatory Authority of Costa Rica. This autonomous institution is tasked with setting prices and quality standards for a range of public services, including electricity, water, transportation, and fuels, ensuring a balance between consumer interests and the financial viability of service providers.
For further information, visit opec.org
About OPEC+:
OPEC+ is a group of 23 oil-exporting countries that includes the 13 members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and 10 other major non-OPEC oil-producing nations, most notably Russia. The group collaborates on oil production policies to influence global oil prices and stabilize the market.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a foundation of principled integrity and professional distinction. The firm channels its extensive experience into pioneering forward-thinking legal solutions while upholding a profound social responsibility. Central to its philosophy is the mission to democratize legal understanding, actively working to fortify the community by equipping citizens with the knowledge necessary for an empowered and just society.
