In January 2026, the government updated reference prices for various gasoline types and diesel under the band system. Gasoline Extra and Ecopaís were set at USD 2.67 per gallon (down slightly from USD 2.72), Diesel Premium at USD 2.71, and Super Premium 95 gasoline maintained at USD 3.36, subject to flexible market pricing. These figures are consistent with the underlying pricing formula adopted in August 2025, which progressively reduced state subsidies for Extra and Ecopaís fuels before fully removing diesel support.
The transition marks a larger government effort to align domestic fuel prices with international crude oil market dynamics, reducing fiscal pressure while maintaining price signals for energy consumers. All fuel stations are mandated to apply these updated tariffs nationwide through February 11, 2026, under government oversight.
The reforms expose Ecuador’s energy sector to sharper exposure from global oil price volatility but aim to restore commercial viability for distributors that had accumulated losses. This shift underscores the country’s enduring reliance on imported hydrocarbon derivatives and the fragility of subsidized pricing frameworks. Market actors should monitor regulatory adjustments and international price trends as the band system continues to evolve.
This article was curated and published as part of our South American energy market coverage.
