Costa Rica Braces for Major Fuel Price Hikes as Regular Surpasses Super

Costa Rica faces a rare fuel market inversion as ARESEP approves major price hikes. Regular gasoline will soon cost more than Super, impacting transport and logistics.

By: AXL Media

Published: May 2, 2026, 6:12 AM EDT

Source: The Tico Times

Market Inversion as Regular Gasoline Prices Eclipse Super

In an unusual development for the Costa Rican energy market, the approved price adjustments will see Super gasoline become the more affordable option at the pump compared to Regular. Starting in May, Regular gasoline will climb to ₡748 per liter, while Super will sit at ₡733 per liter. This ₡15 price gap is anticipated to trigger a sudden shift in consumer behavior, as drivers who typically opt for lower-grade fuel migrate toward Super to save costs, potentially creating inventory imbalances at service stations across the country.

Massive Surge in Diesel Costs Hits Industrial Sector

While gasoline consumers face an inverted market, the most severe blow is reserved for the industrial and transport sectors. Diesel prices are set to jump by ₡152 per liter, bringing the new price to ₡716. This represents a massive increase for heavy machinery, public bus fleets, and freight transport. Economists warn that such a sharp spike in diesel costs often has a "trickle-down" effect, likely leading to increased prices for consumer goods and food as transportation overheads for distributors rise significantly.

International Import Volatility and RECOPE Logistics

The price hike is directly attributed to the rising costs of finished fuel products imported by the state-owned refinery, RECOPE. The data used for this adjustment stems from shipments received between mid-March and early April, reflecting a period of volatility in the global petroleum market. ARESEP noted that the final approved rates were actually higher than those initially proposed during public consultations, despite a minor mitigation provided by a slight reduction in the single fuel tax.