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The return of federal taxes promises to increase R$0,35 per liter of diesel by January. The change in prices mainly impacts the pockets of truck drivers
Amid an increase in gas stations with the increase in gasoline and ethanol, One piece of news worries truck drivers and all those who depend on diesel for their means of transport: the price of fuel has increased again, with the partial return of federal taxes. A liter of diesel became R$0,11 more expensive at distributors, an increase that could immediately be reflected at the fuel pumps.
Rising prices are nothing new for Brazilians. In addition to the adjustment promoted by Petrobras in August, the cycle of rising fuel prices is also related to the increase in the cost of imports. During the first half of the year, when the international market was falling, fuel experienced months of decline.
The U-turn in Federal Fuel Taxes
To understand this turnaround in diesel prices, it is essential to go back in time. Until recently, exemption from federal taxes on fuels, including diesel, was a reality. This measure was implemented in 2022 as a response to the impact of the war between Russia and Ukraine. However, in February this year, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva opted to extend the exemption for gasoline and ethanol until March and for diesel until the end of December.
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According to Abicom (Brazilian Association of Fuel Importers) and Fecombustíveis (National Federation of Fuel and Lubricant Commerce), the PIS/Cofins rate, previously zero, is now R$0,11 per liter. In October, this portion will increase again, reaching R$0,14. Furthermore, there is a resumption of charges on biodiesel, which represents 12% of the mixture sold at gas stations. Full collection of these taxes is scheduled for January 2024.
The partial reversal of the tax exemption on diesel occurred to compensate for the loss of revenue due to the increase in the incentive program for zero-km cars, which took place in June. This decision was a crucial point in the resumption of taxes, which will directly affect the pockets of consumers and, in particular, truck drivers, who rely on diesel as the fuel that powers their daily activities.
Impacts on drivers’ pockets and the impact on inflation and the economy
The adjustments in diesel oil prices, as well as the return of taxes on gasoline and ethanol, had a significant impact on inflation. In July, the IPCA (Broad National Consumer Price Index) gained strength by increasing 0,12%. Gasoline, one of the sub-items with the greatest individual weight in the index, was the product that contributed most to this increase, registering a variation of 4,75% in the month.
Truck drivers, who are essential for transporting goods across the country, will directly feel the impact of this increase in the price of diesel. Escalating fuel costs can significantly affect your earnings and, consequently, the cost of living for all Brazilians. Furthermore, the Brazilian Association of Supermarkets (Abras) warns that adjustments in the price of diesel oil could increase the prices of products such as fruit and vegetables, meat, dairy products and processed foods, affecting families' basic supply basket.
