Brazilian regulator sets new criteria to spot abusive fuel price hikes

Brazil's National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP) approved two resolutions establishing how to identify abusive increases in fuel and LPG prices nationwide. The rules use gross profit margin as the primary indicator, flagging a 70% rise in margin as a trigger for inspection. Establishments exceeding this threshold must justify the increase within 30 days, or face fines. The agency clarified that the measures do not impose price controls, but provide objective benchmarks for enforcement, preserving price‑freedom while enhancing consumer protection.

The new framework follows provisional measures that expanded ANP's authority to sanction unjustified price hikes, and it will be applied to fuel stations, LPG distributors, and liquid fuel retailers across Brazil.