Ticos to pay more at the pump

The Public Services Regulatory Authority (ARESEP) is reviewing a new fuel-rate hike at the request of Costa Rica’s National Oil Refinery. The hike would increase by ₡22 the per-liter cost of “super” gasoline and diesel, and by ₡29 for “plus” gasoline.

If the increase is approved, it would take effect later this month, and drivers would pay ₡746 ($1.48) per liter of “super” gasoline, ₡667 ($1.33) per liter of diesel and ₡735 ($1.46) for “plus” gasoline. Excluding diesel, these would be the highest gas prices in Costa Rican history, followed by prices after the economic crisis of 2008. In August 2008, drivers paid ₡737 ($1.47) for each liter of super. The price of diesel would remain lower than in 2008.

ARESEP also reported that another hike request – of ₡9 – is already under analysis and could take effect in May.