Fuel prices to drop at midnight on Saturday

The per-liter price of fuels (regular, super gasoline and diesel) will decrease by ₡4 at midnight on Saturday.

The Public Services Regulatory Authority (ARESEP) board of directors on Friday published in the official newspaper La Gaceta a ruling that dismisses an appeal filed by gas station owners against a price cut approved in March.

Late last year, gas station owners requested a ₡16 increase in their per-liter profit margin, which would have led to a ₡59 hike, or 37 percent, in each liter they sell.

ARESEP not only rejected the request but also established a ₡4.35 price reduction in the per-liter price of gasolines and diesel, setting the profit margin at ₡39.

Chamber of Fuel Business members said earlier this week that they will keep pursuing an increase in the profit margin, and that they do not rule out taking steps to keep up the pressure.

ARESEP spokeswoman María Angélica Carvajal said in a press release that “the current profit margin for gasoline sellers allows them to provide continuous service, so the interruption of service at gas stations is not justified.”

Carvajal asked drivers to report any gas station that refuses to sell fuel by calling the toll-free number: 8000-ARESEP (8000-273737).