Dominican Republic gasoline price hikes add RD$2.3 bn to consumers, boost inflation

Economist Haivanjoe Ng Cortiñas said that after the government raised gasoline prices in March 2026, Dominican consumers have incurred an extra cost of roughly RD$2.278 billion. The increases of RD$41 per gallon for premium gasoline and RD$33 for regular gasoline have raised transport and distribution costs, feeding into higher consumer prices.

Cortiñas linked the fuel price surge to a rise in the country's annual inflation rate to 5.11%, above the central bank’s target range. Essential food items have risen by about 8%, and an estimated 3.1 million Dominicans can no longer afford the basic food basket, a situation he described as socially and economically dramatic.

He also noted that the ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and the non‑extension of a Russian oil import exemption are tightening global oil supplies, sustaining upward pressure on local fuel prices and the broader cost of living.