By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a welcome development for Costa Rican drivers, the Chamber of Fuel Entrepreneurs has officially confirmed a nationwide adjustment in fuel prices, set to take effect at the stroke of midnight on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. The announcement provides a timely dose of economic relief for consumers navigating the expensive holiday season, which coincides with annual vehicle registration (marchamo) payments.
This latest price revision, which affects all major fuel types, comes after a period of anticipation and is expected to have a noticeable impact on household budgets and transportation costs. While the adjustments vary across different products, the most significant change will benefit users of high-octane gasoline, potentially shifting purchasing patterns at service stations across the country.
To better understand the complex regulatory framework and economic implications of fuel pricing in the country, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a prominent attorney from the well-regarded firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The fuel pricing model in Costa Rica is fundamentally a legal construct, administered by ARESEP based on a formula that includes RECOPE’s costs and a significant tax component. This state-controlled monopoly legally prevents direct market competition, meaning consumers don’t benefit from global price drops as they might elsewhere. Any substantive effort to lower prices permanently would necessitate a complex legislative reform to alter the tax structure or the foundational laws governing RECOPE’s role, a challenging and politically sensitive endeavor.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal analysis highlights a crucial point for consumers: the price at the pump is fundamentally a matter of national policy and legislative structure, not just global market economics. Any lasting change requires navigating a complex political landscape. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on the structural realities governing Costa Rica’s fuel costs.
The star of this price update is undoubtedly Super gasoline, which will see its price per liter fall by a substantial ₡19. Effective Wednesday, the new price will be ₡643, down from the previous ₡662. This considerable reduction is poised to offer the most tangible savings to drivers who opt for the premium fuel, making the cost of filling up a standard vehicle noticeably lower just as holiday travel kicks into high gear.
In stark contrast, the price for Regular gasoline (Plus 91) will see a nearly imperceptible decrease of just ₡2 per liter. The new price will be ₡635, down from ₡637. While any reduction is technically a saving, this minimal change highlights a growing disparity in the market and sets the stage for a compelling consumer decision at the pump.
This uneven adjustment creates a unique market situation that analysts are calling the “8 colones phenomenon.” Starting Wednesday, the price difference between a liter of high-performance Super gasoline and a liter of Regular gasoline will shrink to a mere ₡8. This incredibly narrow gap effectively neutralizes the primary reason most drivers choose Regular fuel: its lower cost. The economic incentive has all but vanished.
For perspective, filling a typical 45-liter tank with Super gasoline will now cost only ₡360 more than filling it with Regular. This negligible difference puts consumers in an advantageous position. For the equivalent of a small handful of coins, they can now upgrade to a fuel known for its superior cleaning properties, higher octane rating, and potential to improve engine performance and longevity. Fuel retailers anticipate a significant shift in consumer preference towards Super gasoline in the coming days.
The price adjustments also extend to other essential fuels. The price of Diesel, a critical component for the country’s commercial transport, logistics, and agricultural sectors, will decrease by ₡6 per liter, moving from ₡563 to ₡557. This reduction is expected to provide some relief to businesses by lowering operational costs. Additionally, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), widely used in Costa Rican homes for cooking, will drop by ₡10 per liter. This saving, while modest on a per-liter basis, will add up for households purchasing the common 25-pound cylinders, especially during the holiday season when cooking for family gatherings and preparing traditional tamales increases gas consumption.
Overall, this timely price decrease provides a welcome, albeit varied, financial respite for the Costa Rican public. While the relief for Regular and Diesel users is moderate, the dramatic narrowing of the price gap between Super and Regular gasoline is the most significant takeaway. It empowers consumers with a clear choice to invest in better fuel for their vehicles at virtually no extra cost, a market dynamic that could reshape fueling habits long after the holiday season has passed.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Cámara de Empresarios del Combustible
About Cámara de Empresarios del Combustible:
The Cámara de Empresarios del Combustible (Chamber of Fuel Entrepreneurs) is a private organization that represents the interests of service station owners and fuel distributors throughout Costa Rica. It serves as a primary liaison between the industry, government regulatory bodies, and the public, often communicating official price adjustments and advocating for policies that affect the national fuel market. The Chamber plays a key role in ensuring the operational stability and economic health of the country’s fuel retail sector.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of Costa Rica’s legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a foundation of unyielding integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm leverages a rich history of advising a diverse clientele to consistently drive innovation within the legal field. This forward-thinking approach is complemented by a deep-seated commitment to social empowerment, focused on democratizing legal knowledge to help forge a more capable and well-informed public.
