Gas pumps to stop sales nationwide

The Public Services Regulatory Authority (ARESEP) said on Tuesday that it will enforce its decision to lower gas prices this week.

Gas station owners oppose the price decrease, and on Monday, José Miguel Masís, president of the Chamber of Fuel Businesses, said they will completely close stations across the country in coming hours if the decrease takes effect.

ARESEP rejected an appeal filed by gas stations owners and warned they might lose their license if they stop selling fuel. Gas stations are obliged by law to provide the service continuously.

An ARESEP law states that “failure to comply with permit conditions is enough reason to revoke the license.”

ARESEP approved a ₡6 decrease in the per-liter price of super and diesel gasoline, and of ₡5 for plus gasoline. The decrease was already sent for publication Friday in the official newspaper La Gaceta, and will go into effect the next day.

Updated March 20.