Growth of Gas Sales Slows During First Half of Year

Sales of gasoline during the first six months of 2006 grew 0.15%, marking a “slowing down of consumption,” according to a statement from the National Oil Refinery (RECOPE).

From January to June, Costa Ricans consumed 2,618,128 barrels of petroleum, just 4,013 barrels more than they consumed during the same period in 2005, the statement said.

Additionally, sales of super gasoline decreased 13.49%, from 979,271 barrels during the first half of 2005 to 847,168 barrels during the first half of this year.

This slowing down in the increase of gas consumption is a result of constant increases in the price of petroleum during the past several months, which have forced consumers to conserve gas and opt for regular gas over super, the statement said.

The demand for regular gasoline increased 8.32%, while the demand for diesel increased 8.24%.

“It is obvious that people are switching from super gasoline to regular, which is a direct effect of skyrocketing international gas prices,” RECOPE president José León said. “We hope that consumption … continues to decrease,” he added.