The increase of up to almost Q3 per gallon in gasoline generated dissatisfaction between users, a topic that was addressed during the program Direct Impactof Guatevisionwhere users and analysts discussed the increase in fuel reference prices for the week of May 5 to 11, 2026despite the fact that the subsidy is still valid.
Drivers consulted stated that the increase affects the family economywhile experts pointed out that the subsidy does not resolve the country’s vulnerability to international factors or the lack of long-term internal measures.
The increase, according to drivers, directly impacts their daily expensesespecially in a context in which increases exceed price reductions.
Users resent the rise
Eduardo Gerónimo, a user, stated that he felt affected by the increase.
“It comes to affect the economy of each person“, he expressed, noting that with the subsidy, consumers expected greater relief.
Another user questioned whether the decreases are less than the increases. “When they go down, they go down 20 cents and when they go up, by two, three quetzales“, said.
Carlos López, a motorist, summarized the discomfort of several consumers:
“Everything goes up and the more you spend“He added that, although the subsidy is applied, the price remains high for those who depend on the vehicle.
Motorcyclist Enrique Contreras indicated that the increase affects more to those with lower incomes. “There are some people who earn much less than us, so they suffer much more.”, he stated.
Vulnerability and lack of measures
In Direct Impactanalysts pointed out that the behavior of the fuel market is conditioned by external factors, but also by the lack of sustainable internal policies.
One of the analysts stated that Guatemala will continue to be exposed to these variations because “We do not have public policies that are really planned for the medium and long term.He also noted that the country has not made enough progress in energy diversification nor in alternatives such as telecommuting.
Analyst Claudia Massis indicated that several users expressed discomfort on social networks and considered that the subsidy did not meet expectations.
“The subsidy is a farce, it is a lie, they saw our faces”, he cited consumer comments.
He suggested that the Government could promote internal measures, such as temporarily reviewing the fuel tax and promote teleworking or hybrid modalities.
Subsidy, reference prices and uncertain outlook
According to the information disclosed in the program, the self-service prices of the May 5 to 11 were left in Q38.33 for regular gasoline, Q39.33 for the upper and Q35.93 for diesel. Analyst Roxana Sánchez described the subsidy as a temporary measure.
“The subsidy was that, a cure, a patch”he said, warning that the outlook remains uncertain when the three-month period ends.
Analysts agreed that the Ministry of Energy and Mines will update the reference prices every week, so the impact of the subsidy will continue under public review.
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