Service stations concerned over diesel subsidy elimination logistics

Following Decree 1428 of 2025's announcement to end diesel subsidies for private, diplomatic, and official vehicles—raising prices by ~$3,000 while sparing public transport—service stations in affected regions raise operational issues amid the Colombian government's FEPC reforms.

As part of President Gustavo Petro's administration's ongoing dismantling of the Fuel Price Stabilization Fund (FEPC)—which previously raised gasoline prices in 2023—the Ministry of Mines and Energy has targeted diesel (ACPM) subsidies for non-essential uses via Decree 1428 of 2025.

The decree aligns private, diplomatic, and official vehicle diesel costs closer to market rates, increasing them by about $3,000 per unit, to address fiscal distortions without impacting public cargo/passenger transport, food prices, or household costs.

Rollout is phased over six months, starting in major areas: Antioquia, Atlántico, Bogotá, Bolívar, Córdoba, Cundinamarca, Magdalena, Risaralda, Santander, Tolima, and Valle del Cauca (initially excluding Huila), allowing impact monitoring before wider application.

Minister Edwin Palma reiterated the social focus: subsidies should protect public transport, jobs, production, and living costs.

While experts have noted logistical hurdles like price differentiation tech, service stations highlight practical challenges. Luz Mila Moyano of Huila distributors questioned dual pricing at pumps, and Fendipetróleo stressed they do not control prices, urging uniform national rollout to prevent regional distortions.

Related Articles

Chilean gas station showing historic fuel price hikes after government decree on Mepco, with queues of drivers and La Moneda palace in background.
Image generated by AI

Government neutralizes Mepco and drives fuel prices to historic highs

Reported by AI Image generated by AI

José Antonio Kast's government issued decrees tweaking the Mepco, allowing historic gasoline and diesel price hikes starting March 26. The move addresses surging oil prices from the Iran war and fiscal tightness, with relief for paraffin and transporters. Congress approved the bill after negotiations exempting SMEs from higher taxes.

Finance Minister Jorge Quiroz announced increases of $370 per liter in 93-octane gasoline and $580 in diesel, effective from Thursday, March 26, due to the international oil price surge from the Iran conflict. The government also activated palliative measures, including freezing Transantiago fares until year-end and subsidies for taxi drivers. Quiroz justified the moves as necessary to align local prices with international levels and safeguard public finances.

Reported by AI

President Gustavo Petro announced during the Council of Ministers that the government will stop paying the gasoline subsidy, reducing the primary deficit. He also addressed bankrupt EPS health providers and progress in agrarian reform. The Agriculture Minister highlighted record investments in the sector.

Bus companies in the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area (AMBA) announced service frequency cuts starting Wednesday, April 1. The move follows a 25% diesel price increase in March. They cite a lack of official response despite prior complaints.

Reported by AI

Ethiopia's Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration has raised fuel prices effective April 1, 2026, with white diesel increasing by 16.6% to 163.09 birr per liter. The move comes as the fuel subsidy burden reaches nearly 272 billion birr. Officials cite global oil market disruptions from Middle East conflicts.

As fuel prices roll back after Middle East-driven hikes, economic managers justified not suspending diesel and gasoline excise taxes, arguing it would mostly aid the wealthy. They highlighted a targeted P10 per liter subsidy for public utility vehicles and suspensions on LPG and kerosene for the vulnerable.

Reported by AI

Kenyan transport stakeholders have demanded that the government cap diesel prices at Ksh140 and petrol at Ksh150 per litre, reinstate fuel subsidies amid recent price hikes. The Transport Sector Forum, led by the Motorist Association of Kenya (MAK), issued the ultimatum after an emergency meeting in Nairobi today, warning of mass action if ignored.

 

 

 

This website uses cookies

We use cookies for analytics to improve our site. Read our privacy policy for more information.
Decline