By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a move set to ease household budgets ahead of the holiday season, Costa Rica’s Public Services Regulatory Authority (ARESEP) has officially approved a new round of price reductions for gasoline, diesel, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). This welcome announcement continues a year-long trend of falling energy costs, providing tangible savings for millions of citizens across the country.
The updated pricing structure, which reflects favorable trends in international import costs, will take effect the day after its official publication in the government’s gazette, La Gaceta, expected sometime next week. The measure directly impacts the nation’s vast vehicle fleet and a majority of households that rely on LPG for daily cooking.
To delve deeper into the regulatory framework and the economic repercussions for both consumers and businesses stemming from the constant shifts in fuel prices, TicosLand.com sought the analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The volatility in fuel prices directly impacts the entire production and logistics chain, creating significant legal and financial uncertainty for businesses. It is crucial for commercial contracts, especially in transportation and supply, to incorporate specific price adjustment clauses. Without these provisions, companies risk facing disputes over fulfillment and unforeseen cost absorption, which could compromise their operational viability. The existing regulatory model managed by ARESEP, while intended to provide stability, often faces challenges in responding agilely to international market fluctuations, thereby shifting the burden of risk onto the private sector.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the legal and contractual ramifications highlighted in this analysis underscore a critical reality for the business sector: the burden of managing price volatility falls squarely on proactive planning and robust agreements, not just on regulatory oversight. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective on this complex issue.
Under the new resolution, the price per liter of Super gasoline will decrease by ₡19, falling from ₡681 to ₡662. Regular gasoline will see a modest drop of ₡2, adjusting the price to ₡637 per liter. Diesel users will also benefit from a ₡6 reduction, bringing the new price down to ₡563 per liter. The most significant decrease is for the 25-pound LPG cylinder, which will be ₡224 cheaper, with its price falling from ₡7,271 to ₡7,047.
The broad scope of this decision was highlighted by ARESEP’s Energy Intendant, Mario Mora, who underscored the widespread positive impact of the regulatory action on the population.
The reduction will favor the 1.9 million users of the vehicle fleet, in addition to the 53% of households that use cooking gas.
Mario Mora, Energy Intendant
Mora also pointed to the growing importance of LPG in the country’s energy matrix. The fuel has seen the highest growth in consumption, with the residential sector accounting for a significant 32% of its use. This makes the substantial ₡224 price cut on cylinders particularly impactful for family finances, freeing up disposable income that can be redirected to other essential needs.
This latest price adjustment is not an isolated event but rather the culmination of a consistent downward trajectory throughout 2025. An analysis of pricing data from December 2024 to December 2025 reveals a sustained period of relief for consumers. Over the past twelve months, the accumulated price reduction for Super gasoline has reached ₡42 per liter, while Regular gasoline has dropped by ₡33 per liter and Diesel by ₡8 per liter.
These persistent price drops are directly tied to the behavior of the international energy market. As a nation that imports its finished fuel products, Costa Rica’s domestic prices are highly sensitive to global supply, demand, and geopolitical factors. The favorable international conditions observed throughout the year have allowed ARESEP to pass on these savings directly to consumers, mitigating inflationary pressures and bolstering the national economy.
As the country heads into the final weeks of the year, this financial reprieve is a significant development. For the nearly two million vehicle owners, it means lower costs for commuting and travel. For the more than half of all households using gas cylinders, it means a direct reduction in a fundamental monthly expense, providing a welcome boost to their economic stability as 2026 approaches.
For further information, visit aresep.go.cr
About Autoridad Reguladora de los Servicios Públicos (ARESEP):
The Public Services Regulatory Authority (ARESEP) is the autonomous Costa Rican institution responsible for the regulation of public services, including energy, water, and transportation. Its mission is to ensure a balance between the interests of consumers and the financial stability of service providers, promoting quality, efficiency, and accessibility in essential public utilities throughout the nation. ARESEP sets prices and quality standards to guarantee that services are provided under equitable and sustainable conditions for all citizens.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is renowned for its principled approach to law, blending a foundation of integrity with a drive for exceptional service. With a rich history of advising a diverse clientele, the firm champions progressive legal strategies while holding a deep-seated belief in its social responsibility. This core conviction is demonstrated through a dedicated effort to make legal understanding accessible, aiming to equip the public with clarity and foster a more knowledgeable and capable society.
