Why do gas prices change in Costa Rica?
Who sets gasoline and diesel prices in Costa Rica, what makes up the price of a liter, how often it changes and how to use less fuel.
In Costa Rica gasoline costs the same at every station in the country, and its price changes almost every month. Gas stations don't set it: the regulator, the Autoridad Reguladora de los Servicios Públicos (ARESEP), does, following a public formula. Here's where the price comes from and why it goes up or down.
Who sets the price?
The state refinery, Refinadora Costarricense de Petróleo (RECOPE), imports the fuel and asks ARESEP for price adjustments. ARESEP reviews the request using its methodology and approves the final consumer price, which is the same at every gas station in the country. New prices take effect when they're published in the official gazette, La Gaceta.
What makes up the price of a liter?
- The cost of imported fuel: it depends on international prices for oil and its products.
- The exchange rate: fuel is paid for in dollars, so when the dollar rises, the liter rises.
- The single fuel tax: a fixed amount per liter, updated every quarter for inflation. In October 2026 it was ₡272 per liter for super gasoline and ₡259.75 for regular.
- The margins of RECOPE, fuel transporters and gas stations, which cover their operating costs.
How often does it change?
- Every month (extraordinary adjustment): RECOPE files its request with ARESEP using the latest international prices and exchange rate. It's the most frequent change and the one that moves the price most.
- Every quarter: the single fuel tax is updated for inflation.
- Once or twice a year (ordinary adjustment): the operating margins of RECOPE, transporters and stations are reviewed.
The November 2026 adjustment
In late October 2026 ARESEP approved a new extraordinary adjustment with increases of up to ₡89 per liter: according to reports, regular gasoline and diesel would cost ₡808 per liter. The change takes effect when it's published in La Gaceta. Our gas prices page always shows RECOPE's current prices, updated automatically, with a calculator for the cost of a full tank.
How to use less fuel
- Check tire pressure once a month: underinflated tires make the engine work harder.
- Accelerate and brake gently, and keep a steady speed on the highway.
- Don't carry unnecessary weight or leave the engine running while you wait.
- Keep up with recommended maintenance (filters, oil, tune-ups).
- Plan trips to avoid rush hour, and check the day's driving restriction.
This article is for information only. Official prices are the ones RECOPE publishes based on ARESEP's rulings.