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Gasoline rose 0,16% in the first half of January; the average price in the North was R$6,81. Cheaper ethanol remains a viable option.
At the beginning of the year marked by significant increases, the national average price of gasoline rose 0,16% in January 2025, as reported by Edenred Ticket Log. This increase reflects a challenging economic scenario for consumers, who see the increase in fuel costs alter their purchasing power. The study also indicated that in the North of the country, the average price of a liter of gasoline was recorded at R$6,81. While gasoline faces this increase, ethanol is not far behind, showing an increase of 0,47% and establishing itself as a less expensive alternative for many drivers. Despite its cheaper price, ethanol does not reach widespread consumption due to efficiency issues.
The impacts of these fuel price increases are felt not only at the pumps, but also in essential production chains, such as the extractive industry. Mining, one of the main activities in this sector, is widely affected, as energy and fuel are among its highest operating costs. Articulating future expectations, experts highlight the growing importance of ESG (environmental and social governance)-oriented leaders in the mining sector, aiming to optimize processes and mitigate the financial impact of fluctuations in the average national price of resources such as gasoline. According to data collected in February 2025 by IBGE, the mining industry seeks a transition to more sustainable and automated methods, with an emphasis on reducing costs and increasing energy efficiency.
Increases and Challenges in the Fuel Sector
As fuel prices continue to rise, the pressure on consumers and companies in the sector is intensifying. Data from the March monthly report by the ANP (National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels) shows that the upward trend this year is not limited to the beginning of the year. The report predicts that we may see continued variations, not only in gasoline, but also in diesel and other petroleum products. Significant efforts are being made to control this price spiral, focusing on alternative import strategies and optimization of fuel transportation and distribution.
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While there is a perception that an effective adjustment may take some time, analysts remain optimistic. As mining advances with technology and innovation, it is hoped that the resulting improvements will eventually stabilize prices. Mining, fuel, and their symbiotic relationship may hold the key to balancing the continued rise in fuel prices in Brazil, ushering in a new era of economics.
Furthermore, the current scenario highlights the urgency of innovations that reinforce the resilience of supply chains. These must be tested and adapted to ensure that expected price increases do not significantly harm consumption and production. Sources from the Ministry of Mines and Energy stated in April 2025 that more effective energy policies are under discussion to systematically address these challenges. In the meantime, consumers continue to await a prospect of relief in the price of a liter of gasoline in the short to medium term.
Increase in Fuel Prices
During the month of December, a liter of gasoline was sold for approximately R$6,30 at gas stations throughout the country. This had an impact on consumers' pockets, who saw prices for essential fuel vary across regions. Ethanol also rose, registering an average price of R$4,28, which represents an increase of 0,47% compared to the first half of December. This increase reflects the price behavior and its certain trend observed over time.
The Edenred Ticket Log Price Index (IPTL) brings a new analysis on the price behavior of transactions at gas stations, providing detailed and accurate information about the market.
Gasoline and Ethanol: Economic Pressures
Gasoline continues its upward trajectory at the beginning of 2025, maintaining the trend of high prices seen in the last quarter of 2024. This increase is accompanied by ethanol, whose average prices reflect a series of economic and structural factors that affect the sector. Among the main contributors to this scenario are the recent fluctuations in the dollar, making the import of fuels and inputs more expensive.
In addition, the logistical costs, which vary according to distances and infrastructure conditions, also directly influence the price of gasoline. These factors combined result in significant pressure on the price of fuel, consolidating an upward movement that began at the end of the previous year, according to Douglas Pina, General Director of Mobility at Edenred Brasil.
Regional Impact of Fuel Prices
Na first fortnight of january, the impact on the price of gasoline and ethanol was felt most strongly in North, where the highest values were observed. The average price of gasoline was R$6,81, the same value recorded in the previous month, while ethanol reached R$5, marking an increase of 0,40%. In contrast, the Southeast region recorded the lowest average prices for gasoline, at R$6,16, and for ethanol, at R$4,21, despite slight increases of 0,16% for gasoline and 0,72% for ethanol.
In the South region, stability prevailed in relation to prices in the first half of December, with average values of R$6,21 for gasoline and R$4,48 for ethanol. No region experienced a decrease in prices during the comparison of this period.
Price Variations by State
In the Central-West, the largest increases were observed, with ethanol rising 1,20%, resulting in an average price of R$4,23, and gasoline increasing 0,96% to an average price of R$6,34. In terms of reductions, Alagoas saw the largest drop in the average price of gasoline, with a reduction of 0,61%, being sold at R$6,53. In contrast, the largest increase occurred in the Federal District, where gasoline reached R$6,24 after a significant increase of 2,30%.
Paraíba had the cheapest gasoline in the first half of January, remaining at R$6,08, while the highest value was recorded in Acre, at R$7,44, after an increase of 0,81%. In the ethanol scenario, the biggest drop was in Paraíba, with an average price of R$4,15, a reduction of 1,43%. The state of Goiás saw the biggest increase, with ethanol reaching R$4,30, an increase of 3,37%. Amapá, in turn, recorded the most expensive ethanol, at R$5,39, maintaining the price of the first half of December. In São Paulo, ethanol was found at R$4,07, despite an increase of 0,74%, according to IPTL.
Ethanol: A Viable Alternative
Even with both fuels on the rise, ethanol stands out as a more financially viable alternative in most Brazilian states compared to gasoline, due to its relatively lower cost. In addition, it stands out as a modern and innovative solution for its environmental advantages, as it emits fewer pollutants, contributing to a low carbon mobility.
The IPTL, an index that measures fuel prices, is based on data from fueling performed at 21 accredited Edenred Ticket Log stations. With a robust amount of data, this survey on the price behavior of transactions at stations is reliable due to the wide range of vehicles managed by the brand: more than 1 million, with an average of eight transactions per second. Edenred Ticket Log, an integral part of Edenred Brasil's Mobility business line, brings more than 30 years of expertise, adapting to customer demands and offering modern and innovative solutions to simplify daily processes.
Source: © EDENRED Press
