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Petrobras Price Adjustment Raises Gasoline Prices, Causing Concern Among Consumers and Triggering Reports of Abusive Practices.
In recent days, residents of Fortaleza felt the impact of the gasoline price increase in their pockets. Petrobras announced a price adjustment of R$ 0.20 per liter for distributors, effective from July 9, but the increase at gas stations in the Ceará capital was much more significant. In some places, the price rose to R$ 1.12 per liter, leaving many consumers perplexed. Continue reading to learn more about this new adjustment from Petrobras.
Petrobras Adjustment and Its Effect on Gas Stations
According to a survey conducted by Diário do Nordeste, the average price of a liter of gasoline in Fortaleza, for deferred payments, reached R$ 6.79 last Monday (15). In some gas stations, it was possible to find promotions with the liter at R$ 6.59. However, the average price represents an increase of 19% compared to the price before Petrobras’s adjustment, which was R$ 5.67 in the week of June 30 to July 6.
Why Was the Increase Greater Than Petrobras’s Adjustment?
Economist Isadora Osterno, a professor at Unifor, explains that the rise in the final gasoline price, above the adjustment announced by Petrobras, is due to the adjustment of profit margins at gas stations. These margins can vary during periods of high demand or market uncertainty. Distributors justify the increase in the final price with fears of a new adjustment from Petrobras.
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Since May 2023, the Brazilian state-owned company no longer follows the international parity policy, where fuel prices were adjusted based on the dollar exchange rate and international oil. 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.
Price Increases at Gas Stations Without Just Cause Can Be Considered Abusive Practices
The president of the Department of Consumer Protection and Defense (Procon Fortaleza), Eneylândia Rabelo, stated that price increases without just cause can be considered abusive practices. She highlighted that consumers should keep receipts and payment slips for possible complaints and report abusive prices through the Fortaleza City Hall Portal or the Procon Fortaleza app.
Gas stations are required to clearly and prominently display prices. Any discrepancy between the displayed value on the board and the one registered at the pump must be resolved in favor of the consumer, who will pay the lower amount.
Impact on Ethanol and Other Fuels
The increase in gasoline prices also affected the price of ethanol in Fortaleza. In the week of June 30 to July 6, 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, gas stations raise the price of ethanol anticipating a possible increase in demand, as many drivers opt for this fuel as an alternative to gasoline.
The Retail Trade Union of Oil Derivatives of the State of Ceará (Sindipostos/CE) stated that price adjustments at gas stations occur regardless of those reported by Petrobras, which is not the only supplier. Fuel prices fluctuate constantly due to international market fluctuations, changes in the dollar, and intense local competition.
Fuel Prices in Fortaleza Are the Highest in 2024
With the increase registered this week, fuel prices in Fortaleza are the highest in 2024. The highest average gasoline price from January to June was R$ 6.16, recorded in the week of February 11 to 17. The price of R$ 6.79 recorded last Monday (15) interrupted a sequence of declines and is 10% higher than the peak of the first semester.
Consumers in Fortaleza should be alert to fluctuations in fuel prices. Petrobras announced that the selling price of gasoline to distributors decreased by R$ 0.17 since the change in pricing strategy, but expectations are that new adjustments may occur.
Procon Fortaleza will continue monitoring prices at gas stations and encouraging consumers to report abusive practices. Meanwhile, ANP is expected to resume its regular surveys as soon as possible, providing essential data to understand trends in the fuel market.
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