The Public Services Regulatory Authority (ARESEP) on Monday reported that a drop in international prices of oil in recent weeks could prompt a decrease in gas prices here.
On the second Friday of each month ARESEP calculates fuel prices to take effect for the next month.
On Sept. 11, ARESEP will analyze international oil prices registered in the previous 30 days as well as variations in the dollar exchange rate to set prices that will apply in October.
ARESEP’s current data show that international prices decreased by $16 per barrel, and most international oil markets are registering both high reserves and lower demand of gasoline. This means per-liter prices of “Super” and “Plus” gasoline likely will be cheaper for next month, the agency said.
International diesel prices, however, recently showed a slight increase prompted by higher demand and reduced reserves, ARESEP said.
The agency noted that the only situation that could result in higher fuel prices is the exchange rate, as the average recorded in August was ₡535.60, while so far this month, it is ₡539.98.
Cheaper fuel prices went into effect last Wednesday following ARESEP’s approval of reductions of ₡44 for “Super” gasoline, ₡39 for “Plus” and ₡28 for diesel.
