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Ethanol Price Increase at Gas Stations in Presidente Prudente Affects Drivers’ Budget at the Beginning of 2026. Understand the Reasons for the Valuation of Biofuel and Price Variation in the City
Drivers in Presidente Prudente, in the western part of São Paulo, began the year facing a significant increase in the price of Ethanol, which recorded a rise of 10.9% at the gas stations in the municipality. According to an article published by G1 on Saturday (03), the adjustment, confirmed by official data from the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP), draws the attention of consumers and experts, especially due to its direct impact on family budgets and the dynamics of urban mobility in the region.
Ethanol Registers Strong Increase at Gas Stations in Presidente Prudente
Ethanol became more expensive right at the beginning of 2026, making refueling more burdensome for thousands of drivers. Nevertheless, even with the substantial increase, biofuel remains competitive against gasoline for flex vehicles, maintaining its status as an economically viable and environmentally strategic alternative.
According to ANP’s survey, the average price of a liter of Ethanol in Presidente Prudente rose from R$ 3.66 at the end of 2024 to R$ 4.06 at the close of 2025. This level represents the highest price since February 2025, when the fuel was sold at an average of R$ 4.04 in the city.
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The adjustment of 10.9% exceeds the accumulated inflation during the period and highlights a movement of pressure on the biofuel market. The increase was immediately felt by consumers, particularly those who use their vehicles daily for work, school, or commercial travel.
Price Variation of Ethanol Among Gas Stations
In addition to the average increase, ANP’s survey reveals a significant price variation for Ethanol at the gas stations in Presidente Prudente. Currently, the liter can be found between R$ 3.89 and R$ 4.29, depending on the gas station’s location, brand, and payment conditions.
This difference directly affects the final cost of refueling. For a tank with a capacity of 55 liters, the cost can range from R$ 213.95 to R$ 235.95. Comparing prices among gas stations has become an essential practice for consumers seeking to save amid rising biofuel prices.
Payment Method Influences the Price of Ethanol
Another factor that weighs on the budget of drivers in Presidente Prudente is the payment method adopted at the gas stations. In several establishments, Ethanol has lower prices when paid via Pix or debit.
On the other hand, with credit card payments, the difference can reach R$ 0.30 per liter, representing a significant impact on the total refueling cost. The choice of payment method has become part of the savings strategy, especially in a scenario of high biofuel prices.
Off-Season for Sugarcane and Taxes Pressure Biofuel
Data from the energy sector indicates that the high price of Ethanol is associated with a combination of structural and conjunctural factors. One of the main ones is the off-season for sugarcane, when the supply of biofuel tends to decrease, pushing prices up.
Additionally, there has been an increase in taxes and rising demand at the end of the year, driven by travel, holidays, and greater vehicle circulation. In Presidente Prudente, a city with a strong dependence on road transportation, this effect is even more noticeable. The combination of these factors creates an environment of greater volatility, directly reflecting on the prices charged at gas stations.
Behavior of Gasoline and Diesel in Presidente Prudente
While Ethanol led the increases, other fuels presented a distinct behavior in Presidente Prudente. Special gasoline recorded an increase of nearly 3%, partially following the market trend.
Regular gasoline remained practically stable, with a slight decrease of less than 0.5% compared to 2024. At the end of 2025, the average price was R$ 6.06, although some gas stations were already selling the liter for up to R$ 6.29.
Diesel, on the other hand, experienced a decrease of 2.5%, benefiting sectors such as freight transport, logistics, and agribusiness, which have a significant presence in the regional economy.
Ethanol or Gasoline: Which is More Worth It in Presidente Prudente?
For drivers of flex-fuel vehicles, the choice between Ethanol and gasoline continues to be based on the well-known 70% rule. The calculation is simple: divide the price of biofuel by the price of gasoline. If the result is less than 0.7, Ethanol is considered more advantageous.
Currently, this ratio is around 67% in Presidente Prudente, keeping Ethanol as the more economically attractive option, even after the observed adjustment at the gas stations. Thus, ethanol remains a rational choice for some drivers, both from a financial and environmental perspective.
Importance of Biofuel for Local and National Economy
Ethanol holds a strategic position in the Brazilian energy matrix and is recognized as one of the world’s leading biofuels. Its use contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the decrease of dependence on fossil fuels.
In regions like Presidente Prudente, where the flex-fuel fleet is predominant, biofuel plays a fundamental role in the local economy, generating jobs and stimulating the sugar-energy chain. Price fluctuations, however, require constant attention from consumers, who need to keep track of the market and price variations at the gas stations.
What to Expect from Ethanol Prices in the Coming Months
The outlook for the coming months indicates that the price of Ethanol may continue to experience fluctuations, especially until the advance of the next sugarcane harvest. Analysts assess that the normalization of supply is expected to relieve pressure on biofuel, although fiscal and demand factors remain on the radar.
For drivers in Presidente Prudente, monitoring prices, comparing values among gas stations, and choosing the best payment method will increasingly become important actions. In a sensitive and dynamic market, information and planning remain the best allies of consumers.
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