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Petrobras' adjustment raises the price of gasoline, generating concern among consumers and provoking reports of abusive practices.
In recent days, residents of Fortaleza have felt the impact of the increase in gasoline prices in their pockets. Petrobras announced a readjustment of R$ 0,20 per liter for distributors, valid since July 9th, but the increase in gas stations in the capital of Ceará was much more significant. In some places, the price went up to BRL 1,12 per liter, leaving many consumers perplexed. Continue reading to find out more about this new adjustment by Petrobras.
Petrobras readjustment and effect on jobs
According to a survey carried out by Diário do Nordeste, the average price of a liter of gasoline in Fortaleza, for installment payments, reached R$ 6,79 last Monday (15). At some gas stations, it was possible to find promotions with a liter priced at R$6,59. However, the average value represents an increase of 19% in relation to the price before the Petrobras adjustment, which was R$5,67 in the week from June 30th to July 6th.
Why was the increase greater than the Petrobras adjustment?
Economist Isadora Osterno, a professor at Unifor, explains that the increase in the final price of gasoline, above the adjustment announced by Petrobras, is due to the adjustment of profit margins at gas stations. These margins may vary during periods of high demand or market uncertainty. Distributors justify the increase in the final price with the fear of a new adjustment by Petrobras.
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Since May 2023, the Brazilian state-owned company no longer follows the international parity policy, where fuel prices were readjusted based on the exchange rate of the dollar and the exchange rate. oil internationally. Despite this, the selling price of gasoline to distributors increased from R$2,81 to R$3,01, an adjustment of R$0,20, but the impact on the end consumer was much greater.
Increasing prices at gas stations without just cause can be considered abusive practice
The president of the Department of Protection and Defense of Consumer Rights (Procon Fortaleza), Eneylândia Rabelo, stated that price increases without just cause can be considered abusive practices. She highlighted that consumers should keep invoices and payment receipts for possible complaints and report abusive prices through Fortaleza City Hall Portal or the Procon Fortaleza app.
Gas stations are required to display prices clearly and conspicuously. Any discrepancy between the value displayed on the panel and that recorded at the pump must be resolved in favor of the consumer, who will pay the lowest amount.
Impact on ethanol and other fuels
The increase in the price of gasoline also affected the price of ethanol in Fortaleza. In the week from June 30th to July 6th, hydrated ethanol was sold at an average of R$4,63 per liter. Last Monday (15), the price rose to R$5,49, an increase of 18,5%. According to Isadora Osterno, stations raise the price of ethanol in anticipation of a possible increase in demand, as many drivers choose this fuel as their alternative to gasoline.
The Petroleum Derivatives Retail Trade Union of the State of Ceará (Sindipostos/CE) stated that the readjustments at the stations occur independently of those informed by Petrobras, which is not the only supplier. Fuel prices vary constantly due to fluctuations in the international market, fluctuations in the dollar and intense local competition.
Fuel prices in Fortaleza are the highest in 2024
With the increase recorded this week, fuel prices in Fortaleza are the highest in 2024. The highest average value for a liter of gasoline from January to June was R$6,16, recorded in the week of February 11th to 17th. The value of R$6,79 recorded last Monday (15) interrupted a sequence of falls and is 10% higher than the peak of the first half of the year.
Consumers in Fortaleza should be aware of fluctuations in fuel prices. Petrobras announced that the selling price of gasoline to distributors has fallen by R$0,17 since the change in pricing strategy, but the expectation is that further readjustments may occur.
Procon Fortaleza will continue to monitor prices at gas stations and encourage consumers to report abusive practices. Meanwhile, the ANP should resume its regular surveys as soon as possible, providing essential data to understand trends in the fuel market.
