Ecuador maintains gas subsidy while Super gasoline stays pricey

Vice Minister of Hydrocarbons Eduardo Racines told reporters in Cuenca that the domestic gas subsidy will not be eliminated, calling any speculation about its removal "totally discarded." He noted that the state’s effort translates to a discount of about 20 cents per gallon for gasoline and diesel, and highlighted that the band system has limited fuel price spikes compared with other countries.

In contrast, Super gasoline is not covered by the subsidy or the band mechanism. The government’s executive decree applies only to diesel, Extra gasoline and Ecopaís, leaving Super gasoline to be priced in a free‑market regime. Its reference price for July‑August 2026 is $5.61 per gallon, set by import, transport, storage and commercial margins, and can vary across stations despite a state‑set ceiling.

The differing pricing approaches mean that while most fuels benefit from state‑backed discounts, Super gasoline remains the most expensive fuel for Ecuadorian consumers.