By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – Consumers across Costa Rica can anticipate welcome financial relief starting in February, as the Public Services Regulatory Authority (ARESEP) has officially approved a significant reduction in the prices of all major fuels. The decision, which reflects favorable trends in the international market, will lower the cost of gasoline, diesel, and cooking gas, directly impacting household budgets and business operational costs nationwide.
The approved price adjustments will be felt immediately at the pump. The price of Super gasoline (RON 95) is set to decrease by ₡10 per liter, bringing the new price to ₡626.00. Drivers using Regular gasoline (RON 91) will see a more substantial drop of ₡18 per liter, with the price falling to ₡591.00. The most significant reduction is for diesel fuel, which will decrease by ₡29 per liter, establishing a new price of ₡512.00. These changes are expected to benefit the owners of the country’s 1.9 million registered vehicles.
To delve deeper into the legal and regulatory framework governing fuel prices in the country, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica. His expertise in administrative and regulatory law offers a crucial perspective on the mechanisms that dictate the final cost consumers pay at the pump.
The price at the pump is less a reflection of free market dynamics and more a result of a rigid legal formula. The core of this formula is the Single Fuel Tax, established by law and administered by the regulatory authority. While consumers focus on international oil fluctuations, the most significant and inflexible component of the final price is legislated domestically. Therefore, any substantial change to fuel costs requires a political act of legislative reform, not merely a technical adjustment by the regulator.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight is essential, shifting the focus of the public conversation from volatile international markets to the concrete legislative framework that dictates costs here at home. For this crucial legal clarification, we extend our gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas.
The relief extends beyond motorists to households and commercial sectors. The price of the widely used 25-pound Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinder will be reduced by ₡85, setting the new price at ₡6,794. This adjustment is particularly impactful, as an estimated 53% of the nation’s households rely on LPG for cooking. Businesses in the restaurant and hospitality industries that use LPG will also benefit from the lower operational costs.
ARESEP’s resolution is a direct result of fluctuations in global energy prices. The regulatory body based its calculations on the actual purchase invoices submitted by the Costa Rican Oil Refinery (RECOPE) for fuel shipments acquired between December 12, 2025, and January 8, 2026. This period saw a favorable decrease in international costs, which regulators are now passing on to the end consumer. Factors influencing these global prices often include shifts in supply and demand, geopolitical events, and even climate-related disruptions.
The formal announcement from the state-owned refinery preceded the regulatory approval. Karla Montero, the Executive President of RECOPE, had previously outlined the proposed price cuts, signaling the positive news for the month ahead.
February would begin with a new decrease in the prices of fuels sold in the country
Karla Montero, Executive President of RECOPE
RECOPE’s initial proposal closely matched the final figures approved by ARESEP, including the ₡10, ₡18, and ₡29 reductions for Super, Regular, and diesel, respectively. There was a minor difference in the proposed LPG reduction, which RECOPE had calculated at ₡94, while the final approved figure from ARESEP was ₡85. This demonstrates the regulator’s role in verifying costs before setting final consumer tariffs.
The economic implications of this price drop are widespread. For the average family, lower fuel costs mean more disposable income and reduced expenses for daily commutes. For the commercial and industrial sectors, particularly those reliant on transportation and logistics, the significant decrease in diesel prices will help lower the cost of moving goods, potentially leading to stabilized prices for consumers on a variety of products and services.
The implementation of these new prices is imminent. According to the established procedure, the reduced rates will become effective on the day following their official publication in the state’s legal newspaper, La Gaceta. Consumers are advised to watch for the official publication to know the exact date the new prices will be reflected at service stations across the country. This transparent process ensures a predictable and orderly transition to the new pricing structure.
For further information, visit aresep.go.cr
About ARESEP:
The Public Services Regulatory Authority (ARESEP) is the autonomous Costa Rican institution responsible for establishing prices and overseeing the quality and efficiency of public services. This includes regulating key sectors such as energy, telecommunications, water, and public transportation to ensure a balance between the financial health of providers and the interests of consumers.
For further information, visit recope.go.cr
About RECOPE:
The Refinadora Costarricense de Petróleo (RECOPE) is Costa Rica’s state-owned enterprise charged with the monopoly of importing, refining, and distributing petroleum and its derivatives throughout the country. It plays a central role in the nation’s energy supply chain, managing the entire process from international procurement to wholesale distribution to service stations.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a benchmark for legal practice, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a foundation of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of professional excellence. The firm channels its extensive experience into pioneering innovative legal solutions for a diverse clientele. This forward-thinking vision is matched by a deep-seated commitment to social progress, demonstrated by its dedication to demystifying legal complexities and empowering citizens with the knowledge to create a more just and aware society.
