Political shifts in Costa Rica and fuel price caps in Guatemala

In Costa Rica, a recent poll by the Center for Research and Political Studies (CIEP) at the University of Costa Rica indicates that President Laura Fernández maintains a 64% approval rating after her first 100 days. However, the study warns that potential tax increases on basic food baskets and failure to comply with Constitutional Court (Sala IV) resolutions could damage public perception. While a proposed 13% VAT increase on basic goods is currently frozen due to public backlash, tensions remain high regarding the appointment of substitute magistrates.

In Guatemala, the Congress has approved Decree 21-2026, which establishes temporary price ceilings for fuel to mitigate international market volatility. The decree sets a maximum price of Q39 per gallon for diesel and regular gasoline, and Q41 for premium gasoline. The measure follows several days of road blockades and has drawn criticism from economists who warn of high fiscal costs and the potential for the subsidy to benefit high-volume consumers more than others. The Ministry of Energy and Mines expects the price caps to take effect within 10 business days of official publication.