Ecuador faces new fuel price adjustment amid falling oil prices

Ecuador is set to implement another adjustment to fuel prices for Extra, Ecopaís, and diesel on July 12, 2026. This change follows a recent increase on June 12, which saw Extra and Ecopaís gasoline rise from $3.16 to $3.31 per gallon, and premium diesel increase from $3.10 to $3.25 per gallon.

The upcoming adjustment comes as international oil prices, specifically the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) benchmark, have fallen to around $70.22 per barrel from highs near $90 during the Middle East conflict. However, Ivo Rosero, president of the National Chamber of Distributors of Petroleum Derivatives of Ecuador (Camddepe), cautioned that international price drops do not guarantee immediate relief for Ecuadorian consumers.

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very probably we will still not feel a decrease in the selling price to the public.

Rosero explained that the state subsidy for fuels must be absorbed before any international price decrease is reflected at the pump. Current projected subsidies between June 12 and July 11 include $1.60 per gallon for premium automotive diesel, $1.16 for Extra with ethanol, and $1.02 for Extra gasoline. Despite these subsidies, Rosero anticipates that a noticeable price reduction for consumers might not occur until August, provided international markets maintain their downward trend and the government makes no contrary decisions.

Ecuador maintains some of the lowest fuel prices in Latin America due to its subsidy scheme. Unlike subsidized Extra and Ecopaís gasolines and premium diesel, the price of Super gasoline is directly tied to international market conditions and is not subsidized. The Agency for Regulation and Control of Hydrocarbons (ARCH) is involved in future adjustments and consumer recommendations.

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will be examined