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In Santa Catarina, gasoline at R$ 4.99 at Havan stations during Tax-Free Day caused queues from early on, waits of over an hour, a limit of 15 liters per vehicle, and 25,000 liters available, in an action that exposed the composition of fuel prices for Santa Catarina drivers this Wednesday.
The gasoline at R$ 4.99 drew drivers from Santa Catarina to Havan stations this Wednesday, during the Tax-Free Day action. With a limit of 15 liters per vehicle, the campaign caused queues from early on and waits of over an hour at the network’s units.
The campaign limited refueling to 15 liters per vehicle and made 25,000 liters of gasoline available among the five participating units. The purpose of the action was to draw attention to the composition of fuel prices and the weight of taxes, fees, and contributions on the final amount paid by the consumer.
Queues started early at Havan stations in Santa Catarina
The movement at the stations began even before the official start of refueling. At one of the units in Palhoça, drivers arrived in the morning to try to secure the purchase of gasoline at a discount within the limit allowed by the campaign.
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Refueling began at 9 AM, but there were consumers in line from around 7 AM. The wait exceeded an hour in some places, reflecting the interest generated by the price of R$ 4.99 per liter at a time when fuel continues to weigh on the budget of many drivers.
The combination of lower price, limited quantity, and defined schedule created a rush to the participating stations. As each unit had a specific volume of fuel, the chance of not being able to refuel increased as the queues grew.
Havan allocated 5,000 liters per station. With the limit of 15 liters per car, each unit could serve about 333 vehicles, considering the maximum volume per refueling.
How the tax-free action worked
The action was part of the so-called Tax-Free Day, an initiative used by retail companies to show consumers how much taxes can represent in the final price of products and services. In the case of Havan’s gas stations, the focus was on regular gasoline.
According to the company, almost 40% of the gasoline price currently corresponds to taxes, fees, and contributions. The campaign aimed to make this difference more visible by selling the liter for R$ 4.99, below the price normally found at gas stations.
Havan units in Brusque, Barra Velha, Palhoça, and Araranguá participated in the initiative, according to the source. In total, five gas stations were involved in the campaign, providing 25,000 liters for consumers in Santa Catarina.
The main rule was simple: each car could fill up to 15 liters. The limit prevented a few vehicles from quickly consuming the entire volume and allowed more drivers to access the promotional price.
Lower price turned refueling into a race for a spot
The price of R$ 4.99 per liter was the big draw for drivers. In a recurring consumption product, any significant reduction usually generates a quick response, especially when the difference appears immediately at the checkout.
In the case of gasoline, the impact is even more direct because fuel is part of the routine for workers, families, app drivers, merchants, and people who depend on cars for daily commutes.
The wait of more than an hour shows how the fuel price remains a sensitive topic for consumers. Even with a 15-liter limit, many drivers considered it worth waiting in line to take advantage of the reduced price.
The mobilization also highlights the psychological effect of an action with limited stock. Since there was a defined volume per station, the demand gained a sense of urgency, especially in the early morning hours.
Campaign aimed to show the weight of taxes on fuel
Entrepreneur Luciano Hang stated that the action allows for a clear demonstration of how the tax burden affects the cost of products and services in Brazil. The company’s interpretation is that by removing taxes, consumers immediately notice the price difference.
The gasoline was chosen for being a high visibility item. The fuel frequently appears in public debate because its price affects transportation, deliveries, commuting, and part of the indirect costs of other products.
The campaign, however, also had a commercial nature and significant public exposure. The lines at the stations, the buzz on social media, and the movement at the units reinforced the brand’s reach during Tax-Free Day.
From the consumer’s perspective, the main effect was practical: paying less for a limited volume of fuel. From the campaign’s perspective, the goal was to use the price difference as a way to draw attention to the tax burden.
Action also moved other retail companies
The mobilization was not restricted to Havan’s stations. According to the source, Koerich Stores also announced discounts on products in Santa Catarina as part of an action linked to Tax-Free Day, organized by the CDLs.
In the case of Koerich, the informed proposal was to grant more than 30% discount on products in stores across the state. The network has 131 stores in Santa Catarina, distributed across 66 cities.
The retail action follows the same logic of making a portion equivalent to the tax burden visible to the customer. In the case of gasoline, this perception tends to be even stronger because the price per liter is closely monitored by drivers.
When the discount appears on an essential item, the reaction is usually more immediate. Therefore, the sale of fuel at R$ 4.99 generated lines and attracted consumers willing to wait to save on refueling.
Limit of liters helped to expand the promotion’s reach
The limit of 15 liters per vehicle was one of the central rules of the action. Although it reduces the total discount for each driver, the measure allows for better distribution of the available volume among more consumers.
Without this control, the 5,000 liters per station could quickly run out with just a few full refuels. With the rule, each unit had an estimated capacity to serve hundreds of vehicles during the campaign.
In practice, the limitation created a balance situation. The consumer did not fill the tank but managed to access a lower price. The company, in turn, managed to increase the number of participants and enhance the visibility of the action.
The line, in this case, became part of the campaign’s impact itself. The wait showed public interest but also revealed how fuel promotions can quickly generate a concentration of vehicles at participating stations.
Cheaper gasoline, long lines, and an ongoing debate
The sale of gasoline at R$ 4.99 at Havan stations in Santa Catarina attracted consumers, created lines, and once again put fuel prices at the center of the conversation. With 25,000 liters available, the campaign attracted drivers looking for immediate savings.
The case shows how specific actions can gain great repercussion when they involve essential consumer products. Even limited to 15 liters per car, the promotion was enough to make consumers wake up early, wait in line, and closely follow the refueling.
At the same time, the campaign reinforces a recurring discussion about the composition of prices in Brazil. For many drivers, the cost of fuel is not just a car expense, but an important part of the monthly budget.
And you, would you face more than an hour in line to refuel gasoline at R$ 4.99 with a limit of 15 liters, or do you think the savings wouldn’t be worth the wait? Share your opinion.
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