Katerina Swanson
Fuel prices in Costa Rica can vary depending on a range of factors, including global oil prices, transportation costs, taxes, and government policies. As of August 2021, the average cost of gasoline in the country was ₡728 per liter or approximately $4.24 per gallon. The average cost of diesel was ₡555 per liter or about $3.23 per gallon. These prices are regulated by the government, so they remain the same throughout the country. This is in contrast to many other countries, where prices can differ by location and even by individual petrol stations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average price of gasoline | CRC 665.00 per liter or USD 1.32 per liter as of June 30, 2025 |
| Average cost of gasoline in August 2021 | ₡728 per liter or $4.24 per gallon |
| Average cost of diesel in August 2021 | ₡555 per liter or $3.23 per gallon |
| Average price of gasoline | Between $4.50 and $5.50 per gallon or $1 to $2 per liter |
| Factors influencing fuel prices | Global oil prices, taxes, transportation costs, government policies, and location |
| Gas station services | Full-service with attendants who fill your car; no need to tip unless they wash your windshield |
| Payment methods | Cash and major credit cards; some remote stations may not accept cards |
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What You'll Learn
Fuel prices are set by the Costa Rican government
Fuel prices in Costa Rica are set by the government, resulting in consistent rates across the country. This means that unlike in many other countries, prices do not vary based on location or specific petrol stations. The current price of gasoline in Costa Rica is CRC 665.00 per litre or USD 1.32 per litre for Octane-95 gasoline. The average price over the last decade was CRC 674.54 per litre, with a minimum of CRC 445.00 in March 2016 and a maximum of CRC 1,104.00 in August 2022.
Costa Rica's fuel prices are influenced by various factors, including global oil prices, transportation costs, and taxes. The country's reliance on imported oil due to its distance from major oil-producing nations also contributes to higher transportation costs. Additionally, the government imposes multiple taxes on fuel, such as an environmental tax, sales tax, and customs duty, which together account for over 50% of the cost per gallon.
The fixed fuel prices set by the government have an impact on Costa Rica's economy, particularly the transportation sector. Businesses that depend on transporting goods face increased operating costs and decreased profits due to high fuel prices.
Despite the government-set prices, travellers to Costa Rica are advised to be cautious when purchasing fuel. While prices are regulated, it is recommended to pay in Costa Rican colones rather than USD to avoid potential scams and fluctuating exchange rates. Diesel is also noted to be cheaper in Costa Rica than in the US, and it is widely available at all gas stations.
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Diesel is cheaper in Costa Rica than in the US
The price of diesel in Costa Rica is influenced by various factors, including global oil prices, transportation costs, and taxes. The country's location also plays a role, as it relies heavily on imported oil. Despite these high prices, the Costa Rican government has implemented fixed fuel rates, ensuring that prices remain consistent across the country. This differs from many other countries, where prices vary by location and individual petrol stations.
The availability of diesel fuel in Costa Rica is notable, with many locals driving diesel vehicles. However, it is important to note that most rental cars in the country are not diesel vehicles. When filling up a rental car, individuals typically opt for regular gasoline with 91 octanes, also known as "Plus 91," which is the cheaper option.
When visiting Costa Rica, it is advisable to use Costa Rican colones instead of US dollars to facilitate easier transactions at gas stations. Additionally, it is helpful to know some basic Spanish phrases, as many gas station attendants speak Spanish. Understanding numbers in Spanish can be particularly useful when communicating the desired amount of fuel.
Overall, while diesel is cheaper in Costa Rica than in the US, fuel prices in the country can be significantly higher than in other nations due to various factors, including taxes and transportation costs. This can impact travel budgets, making it essential for visitors to consider fuel costs when planning their trips to Costa Rica.
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The average price of gasoline in Costa Rica
There are two main types of gasoline available in Costa Rica: "Regular" and "Super". Regular gasoline contains 91 octanes and is usually signposted in red. Super gasoline is the premium variant, containing 95 octanes, and is typically signposted in blue. Diesel is also widely available and used in Costa Rica, and is usually signposted in green. The price of diesel tends to be cheaper than gasoline, at around 634 CRC per liter or $4.49 USD per gallon.
The high cost of fuel in Costa Rica is influenced by several factors. Taxes account for over 50% of the cost of a gallon of gas, with the government imposing an environmental tax, a sales tax, and a customs duty. Transportation costs also contribute to high gas prices, as Costa Rica is located far from major oil-producing countries and has undeveloped fuel transportation infrastructure. Global oil prices, government policies, and the country's goal to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels also play a role in determining fuel prices.
When purchasing gasoline in Costa Rica, it is recommended to use Costa Rican colones instead of USD to make the exchange easier. It is also useful to know some basic Spanish, as many gas station attendants speak Spanish. Gas stations can be found across the country, with the majority being open 24/7 and located on main roads outside of downtown areas.
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Taxes account for over 50% of the cost of a gallon of gas
Fuel prices in Costa Rica are set by the government and are the same at any gas station across the country. The current gasoline price in Costa Rica is CRC 665.00 per liter or USD 1.32 per liter for Octane-95 gasoline.
In 2019, it was reported that Costa Rica had the highest gasoline prices in Central America, which placed the country at a competitive disadvantage and affected the pockets of consumers. One of the reasons for the high fuel prices was the tax component, which was more than 35% of the price at the pumps. The Partido Unidad Social Cristiana (PUSC) proposed a bill to reduce the tax by changing the method of taxing fuels, which would effectively lower the price at the pumps. According to the PUSC legislative caucus, the high tax on fuels was disproportionate and took away resources from Costa Rican families that could be devoted to consumption and economic recovery.
The PUSC proposed to tax fuels based on the international price paid by Recope, the state refinery that imports fuels, and establish a maximum tax on that price instead of the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This change would reduce the tax on fuels in Costa Rica to levels similar to those in the rest of Central America.
The cost of diesel in Costa Rica is mentioned as being cheaper than in the US, at around 634 CRC per liter, which is approximately $4.49 USD per gallon. Tourists renting a car for a week in Costa Rica can expect to spend around $180 USD on gasoline for an average trip of 1200 kilometers.
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The cost of transporting fuel to Costa Rica
The cost of fuel in Costa Rica is influenced by a combination of factors, including transportation costs, global oil prices, and government policies. While these factors contribute to higher prices for travellers, understanding them is crucial for effective trip planning and budgeting.
Transportation costs play a significant role in the high gas prices in Costa Rica. The country's distance from major oil-producing nations results in higher transportation costs compared to other countries. Additionally, the infrastructure for transporting fuel within Costa Rica is less developed than in other nations, further adding to the transportation cost burden.
The global oil market also impacts fuel prices in Costa Rica. As the country relies heavily on imported oil to meet its energy demands, fluctuations in global oil prices directly affect local fuel costs. When global oil prices rise, Costa Rica's fuel prices tend to increase as well.
Government policies aimed at reducing the country's dependence on fossil fuels and promoting renewable energy sources can also influence fuel costs. For instance, the government has imposed a limit on the amount of ethanol that can be blended with gasoline, resulting in higher ethanol and, consequently, gas prices.
According to sources, the current gasoline price in Costa Rica is CRC 665.00 per litre or USD 1.32 per litre as of June 30, 2025. This price is slightly higher than the global average of USD 1.22 per litre. Diesel, on the other hand, costs around CRC 634 per litre, which is approximately USD 4.49 per gallon.
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Frequently asked questions
As of June 30, 2025, the price of gasoline in Costa Rica is CRC 665.00 per litre or USD 1.32 per litre.
The average price of gasoline in Costa Rica is between USD 4.50 and USD 5.50 per gallon.
Taxes account for over 50% of the cost of a gallon of gas in Costa Rica. Transportation costs are also high because the country is located far from major oil-producing nations.
There are two main types of fuel available in Costa Rica: regular gasoline (91 octanes) and super gasoline (95 octanes). Diesel is also available and is used by many local drivers, but rental cars typically use gasoline.
