Costa Rica will increase retail fuel prices following a rise in international fuel costs between September and October, the Public Services Regulatory Authority (Aresep) reported.

The adjustment follows a request by the state-owned Costa Rican Oil Refinery Company (Recope) to revise domestic fuel prices in response to changes in international energy markets.

Aresep said the new rates reflect changes in several pricing components calculated during fuel import negotiations conducted between Sept. 11 and Oct. 10.

Regular gasoline (RON 91/Plus 91) recorded the largest price increase among the fuels.

Authorities also noted that international supply and demand conditions contributed to significant price increases for gasoline and diesel.

Costa Rica imports 100% of its finished fuel products because Recope lacks the technology required to refine crude oil into gasoline, diesel and other usable fuels, officials said.

The new retail fuel prices are:

• Super gasoline (RON 95): ₡806 per liter (about $1.79 per liter, or $6.77 per gallon), up from ₡764.

• Regular gasoline (RON 91/Plus 91): ₡808 per liter (about $1.79 per liter, or $6.79 per gallon), up from ₡719.

• Diesel: ₡808 per liter (about $1.79 per liter, or $6.79 per gallon), up from ₡719.

• Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), 25-pound cylinder: ₡7,721 (about $17.15 per cylinder), up from ₡7,172.

The new prices will take effect this week after publication in the government's official gazette, La Gaceta.

In related developments, the Electricity Institute (ICE) opened a new fast-charging station in Orotina Canton, Alajuela Province, expanding electric vehicle infrastructure along a major corridor connecting the capital with the Pacific Coast.

Aresep is the government agency responsible for regulating public service rates in Costa Rica.

Recope oversees the importation, distribution and sale of fuels.

ICE is Costa Rica's state-owned utility, responsible for electricity generation and distribution, as well as telecommunications services.

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