Fuel prices in Costa Rica have been updated following the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, according to the Public Services Regulatory Authority (Aresep).

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

Aresep said the new rates reflect higher costs across several pricing components that were calculated during fuel import negotiations held between May 8 and June 11.

Diesel recorded the largest increase among the fuels.

Costa Rica imports 100% of its finished fuel products because Recope does not have the technology needed to refine crude oil into gasoline, diesel and other usable fuels, officials 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.

Officials said higher international oil prices have increased the cost of imported fuels, directly affecting retail fuel prices throughout Costa Rica.

The new retail fuel prices are:

• Super gasoline (RON 95): ₡756 per liter (about $1.68 per liter, or approximately $6.35 per gallon), up from ₡753.

• Regular gasoline (RON 91/Plus 91): ₡755 per liter (about $1.67 per liter, or approximately $6.35 per gallon), down from ₡756.

• Diesel: ₡683 per liter (about $1.51 per liter, or approximately $5.74 per gallon), up from ₡670.

• Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), 25-pound cylinder: ₡7,440 (about $16.53 each), up from ₡7,399.

The new prices take effect Tuesday, July 14, after being published in the official government bulletin, La Gaceta.

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

Recope oversees the importation, distribution and sale of fuels.

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