The fuel prices in Guatemala register a second downward adjustment this Wednesday, April 15, according to monitoring of Free press at service stations.
The reduction occurs after weeks of volatility in the international oil marketinfluenced by the conflict between United States and Iranwhich affected the passage of crude oil through the Strait of Hormuzthrough which about 21% of the world’s oil transits.
This is how prices have fallen in April
During the week of April 6, the announcement of a temporary ceasefire between both nations began to stabilize international prices.
As a result, On April 10, a first reduction of up to Q0.50 per gallon in general, both in premium gasoline, regular and diesel.
However, this April 15, a new, more significant adjustment is observed:
- Until Q1.50 reduction in diesel
- Approximately Q1.00 in regular and higher gasoline
New fuel prices today
Prices vary depending on the station, but monitoring at five brands of gas stations and in 3 areas of the metropolitan area reflects the following ranges:
- Regular gasoline: between Q37.97 and Q37.99
- Top gasoline: between Q38.97 and Q38.99
- Diesel: between Q41.67 and Q41.69
In departments like Chimaltenango and Sacatepéquezsome stations already apply these prices, while others still maintain the previous values.
Do these discounts include a subsidy?
Although the reductions represent a relief for consumers—up to Q1.50 in gasoline and Q2.00 in diesel accumulated—, these declines respond mainly to international factors linked to the decrease in the price of crude oil after the negotiations between United States and Iranwhich has reduced pressure on global supply.
The deputy Julio Hector Estrada explained that the fuel subsidy It was approved by Congress on April 14, but is still awaiting presidential sanction to come into effect.
The benefit is expected to begin to apply to starting from May 1 or in the first days of that month.
In addition, he noted that the subsidy must be implemented regardless of the downward trend in the market.
Fuel changes since February 28
Below is the evolution of the fuel prices in Guatemala during April, taking as reference the highest values recorded at the beginning of the month (which also mark the highest values since the international conflict) and subsequent adjustments reflected in service stations.
| Fuel type | Price as of April 1 (maximum) | Price as of April 10 | Price as of April 15 | Total variation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top gasoline | Q40.49 | Q39.99 | Q38.99 | -Q1.50 |
| regular gasoline | Q39.49 | Q38.99 | Q37.99 | -Q1.50 |
| Diesel | Q43.69 | Q43.19 | Q41.69 | -Q2.00 |
Since the beginning of the conflict on February 28, the accumulated increases reached Q10.92 in superior and regular gasoline and Q15.92 in dieselwhich shows that, despite recent declines, prices still reflect the impact of international volatility.
According to analysts, although there is already a reduction in fuel pricesthe market has not yet completely stabilized and everything will depend on how the geopolitical situation evolves and it is even warned that stabilization may take months.