Fuel prices in Brazil rose for the second consecutive week, according to ANP data released on March 13, 2026. Diesel saw an 11.8% increase, while gasoline rose 2.5%, reflecting the impacts of the war in Iran on international oil prices.
The National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP) reported that average gasoline and diesel prices at Brazilian pumps rose in the week ending March 13, 2026. Gasoline increased from R$ 6.30 to R$ 6.46 per liter, a 2.5% rise. Diesel jumped from R$ 6.08 to R$ 6.80 per liter, marking an 11.8% increase.
This uptick has been ongoing since the conflict in Iran began on February 28, 2026, when the United States and Israel launched attacks against the country. The conflict disrupted ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of global oil and gas production passes, leading to a worldwide supply crisis. Oil prices fluctuated sharply: they hit US$ 119.46 on Monday (March 9), fell below US$ 100 the same day, exceeded US$ 100 again on March 12 after attacks on petroleum infrastructure in the Persian Gulf, and surpassed three digits once more on March 13.
In Brazil, Petrobras announced on March 13 a R$ 0.38 per liter adjustment to the price of diesel sold at its refineries, effective from March 14, raising it to R$ 3.65 per liter. This is the first change since May 2025. The state-owned company noted that the final impact would be softened by government measures announced the previous day.
On March 12, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed a decree and provisional measure that zero out PIS and Cofins taxes on diesel, provide subsidies to producers and importers until December 31 (capped at R$ 10 billion), and impose an export tax on oil. The government estimates a R$ 0.64 per liter reduction at the pump, with R$ 0.32 from tax exemptions and R$ 0.32 from subsidies. Since Petrobras' adjustment exceeds the R$ 0.32 PIS/Cofins exemption, the net pass-through to distributors would be R$ 0.06 per liter. "It's a residual increase," stated Petrobras President Magda Chambriard.
In the United States, President Donald Trump said the country would escort vessels through the Strait of Hormuz if needed. Additionally, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the largest attack on Iran for March 13.
