Fuel prices in Costa Rica are rising sharply following the escalation of conflict in the Middle East, according to the Public Services Regulatory Authority (Aresep).

The increase comes after a request from the state-owned Costa Rica Oil Refinery (Recope) to adjust domestic fuel prices in line with recent movements in international markets.

Aresep said the updated rates reflect higher costs in several pricing components calculated during fuel import negotiations conducted between March 15 and April 9. As a result, prices for the country’s most widely used fuels have increased.

Costa Rica imports 100% of its finished fuels because Recope does not have the technology to refine crude oil into usable products, authorities said.

“This increase in fuel prices in the country is a direct effect of the armed conflict in the Middle East, which has generated a rise in the price of oil, as well as in the finished products that Costa Rica imports,” said Mario Mora, a Recope representative.

The new retail prices are as follows:

• Super gasoline (RON 95): ₡733 per liter, up from ₡630, about $1.55 per liter, or roughly $5.90 per gallon.

• Regular gasoline (RON 91 / Plus 91): ₡748 per liter, up from ₡625, about $1.59 per liter, or approximately $6 per gallon.

• Diesel: ₡716 per liter, up from ₡564, about $1.52 per liter, or roughly $5.76 per gallon.

• Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), 25-pound cylinder: ₡7,255, up from ₡6,876, about $15.43 each.

The new prices are scheduled to take effect on Tuesday after publication in the official government bulletin, La Gaceta.

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

Recope oversees the importation, distribution and sale of fuels.

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