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Guatemala Congress approves fuel price caps and Q2,500 million subsidy
The Guatemalan Congress has approved Decree 21-2026, a national emergency measure to establish price caps on essential fuels. The law sets a maximum price of Q39 per gallon for diesel and regular gasoline, and Q41 per gallon for superior gasoline. To support this stabilization, the government has authorized a Q2,500 million fund to compensate authorized importers for the difference between market prices and the established caps.
The legislation is intended to remain in effect until December 31, 2026, though it may conclude earlier if funds are exhausted or international prices drop. Financing for the subsidy involves budget reallocations, including a reduction of approximately Q507.6 million from existing expenditures, notably impacting the Ministry of the Interior.
The decision follows intense social pressure, including road blockades and protests led by transport workers and indigenous groups, such as the 48 Cantones of Totonicapán and authorities from Sololá. These groups have demanded government intervention to mitigate the rising cost of living and basic goods caused by high fuel prices. Additionally, the fuel market is experiencing shifts due to mandatory ethanol blending, which has reportedly increased demand for premium gasoline while decreasing regular gasoline consumption.
Entities
48 Cantones de Totonicapán · Agencia de Regulación y Control Hidrocarburífero · Bernardo Arévalo · Chevron · Confederación Nacional de Dueños de Camiones · Congress of the Republic of Guatemala · Daniel Mas · Daniel Noboa · ENAP · Guatemala · Guatemalan Congress · Ministry of Energy and Mines
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 6 SOURCES] Indigenous groups and transport workers have conducted road blockades and protests due to rising fuel costs. diaadianews.com · elpaisdelosjovenes.com · lajornadasanluis.com.mx · jornaldebrasilia.com.br · www.prensalibre.com
- [● 6 SOURCES] A fund of Q2,500 million was approved to compensate for international price volatility. epinvestiga.com · elpaisdelosjovenes.com · republica.com · www.prensalibre.com · lasnoticiasdelvalle.com · +1 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] The Guatemalan Congress approved Decree 21-2026 to establish fuel price caps. epinvestiga.com · elpaisdelosjovenes.com · republica.com · emisorasunidas.com · www.prensalibre.com · +1 more
- [● 5 SOURCES] The fuel price stabilization measures are scheduled to remain in effect until December 31, 2026. epinvestiga.com · republica.com · emisorasunidas.com · www.prensalibre.com · lasnoticiasdelvalle.com
- [● 6 SOURCES] The maximum price for diesel and regular gasoline is set at Q39 per gallon, while superior gasoline is capped at Q41 per gallon. epinvestiga.com · elpaisdelosjovenes.com · republica.com · emisorasunidas.com · www.prensalibre.com · +1 more
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Chevron reported atypical demand patterns for premium gasoline in Guatemala following ethanol mandates. concriterio.gt