Paraguay fuel prices rise for fourth time this year

Private fuel companies in Paraguay have implemented their fourth price increase of the year, raising costs for consumers starting this past weekend and Monday. The adjustments, ranging from 500 to 600 Paraguayan guaraníes per liter for most gasolines and premium diesel, and 490 guaraníes for common diesel, are attributed to rising international fuel prices. These increases are driven by ongoing tensions in the Middle East and the protracted war there, which continue to pressure import costs.

The new prices took effect at Petrobras and Shell on Saturday and Monday, respectively, with Energy and Tega Oil also adjusting their rates. Petromax had announced its increase earlier, with others like Copetrol, Petrochaco, and Ecop expected to follow suit. This marks a reversal from a price reduction in June, when private distributors aligned their prices closer to those of the state-owned company, Petropar.

Following the hikes, common gasoline (88/89 octane) now costs 7,190 guaraníes per liter, intermediate gasoline (93 octane) is 7,690 guaraníes, common diesel (Type III) is 8,690 guaraníes, and premium diesel (Type I) is 10,600 guaraníes. While price differences between brands are minimal for most fuels, a competitive landscape is emerging for super gasoline (96/97 octane). Shell offers it at 9,240 guaraníes, just slightly below Petrobras's 9,290 guaraníes. However, brands like Tega Oil, Petromax, and Energy are using super gasoline as a commercial strategy, selling it at prices up to 200 guaraníes lower to attract customers.

Meanwhile, state-owned Petropar continues to analyze its own pricing strategy and has not yet announced its adjustments. The company's stance comes as private distributors navigate the volatile international market and implement their fourth price hike of the year.