Union of gas stations in MG justifies the increase in ethanol and criticizes the lag in gasoline

The rise in ethanol production costs is what has caused the increase in the price of fuel at gas station pumps, according to a note released this Wednesday (3) by the Petroleum Derivatives Retail Trade Union in the State of Minas Gerais (Minaspetro). The entity also took a position in relation to the lag in the price of gasoline in Brazil compared to the international market.

According to Minaspetro, the price of ethanol at producing plants has already risen by more than 20% in 2024. Anhydrous, which represents 27% of gasoline sold in the country, has also risen by 16% this year. The union states that the transfer of production costs was especially noticeable in purchases over the last 15 days.

‘We are concerned about rising production prices, mainly because sugarcane fuel has proven to be more competitive at the pump, a viable and sustainable option for drivers at the time of purchase.’

Gasoline pricing policy

The gasoline pricing policy practiced by Petrobras was also the subject of comment by Minaspetro. The union cites a calculation by the Brazilian Association of Fuel Importers (Abicom), which states that gasoline in Brazil is R$0.56 cheaper than on the international market. Diesel would be R$0.36 below the price charged outside the country.

‘Since 2023, Petrobras has not been clear regarding the Import Parity Price (PPI) criteria, which has caused a lack of predictability for station owners regarding future readjustments and, consequently, for consumers’, concludes the union in note.

Most expensive fuels in BH

Those who left to fill up their car before the Easter holidays in Belo Horizonte ended up paying more. Since last Thursday afternoon (28), gas stations in the capital of Minas Gerais began to readjust the liter values for both gasoline and ethanol.

At several stations on Via Expressa, the news report Itatiaia found that the price of a liter of gasoline went from R$5.19 to R$5.49. In some neighborhoods, the price per liter is already more than R$5.80. On Avenida Barão Homem de Melo, prices for a liter of ethanol are R$3.79 and gasoline is R$5.89.