# Fuel price volatility and regional responses in Latin Am > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/latin-america-fuel-price-hikes > Updated: 2026-09-08T12:10:18.000Z. Sources: 70. Developments: 6. Since mid‑July 2026, fuel prices across Central and South America have risen sharply in line with global oil market dynamics. In Chile, following a three‑week price hike in late July, new adjustments were confirmed by the state‑owned Empresa Nacional del Petróleo (ENAP). By mid-August, ENAP had reported price stability for several fuels, but by early September, the Chilean government confirmed upcoming increases in gasoline and diesel prices ahead of the national Fiestas Patrias celebrations. Biminister of Economy and Mining Daniel Mas attributed these hikes to international petroleum pressures stemming from Middle East conflicts. While official magnitudes were not released, the Observatory of the Economic Context at Universidad Diego Portales estimated gasoline could rise by approximately $35 per liter, with diesel potentially increasing by nearly $100 per liter. This has caused concern among transport sectors, including truck owners and taxi confederations. Regional responses to volatility continue to diversify. In Argentina, consumers can access up to 30% discounts through bank promotions and digital wallets. In Panama, the National Assembly approved a B/. 26.3 million fund to stabilize fuel prices for public transport, cargo, and artisanal fishing. In Ecuador, President Daniel Noboa announced that starting September 12, prices for extra and ecopaís gasolines, as well as diesel, will decrease by three cents per gallon, marking the third consecutive month of reductions. In Guatemala, the Congress approved Decree 21-2026, a national urgency law to mitigate rising costs through price caps. This measure follows intense social pressure, including road blockades and protests led by transport workers and indigenous groups such as the 48 Cantones of Totonicapán. The decree sets maximum retail prices at Q39 per gallon for diesel and regular gasoline, and Q41 for premium gasoline. ## Claims - Profeco reported that 84 % of Mexican gas stations sell diesel at a maximum price of 27 pesos per litre. (disputed) - Profeco said the national average diesel price on 24 July was 27.05 pesos per litre. (disputed) - ENAP announced an increase of $32.9 per litre for 93‑octane gasoline effective 30 July. (corroborated by 8 sources) - The Guatemalan Congress approved Decree 21-2026 to establish fuel price caps. (corroborated by 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. (corroborated by 6 sources) - A fund of Q2,500 million was approved to compensate for international price volatility. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Indigenous groups and transport workers have conducted road blockades and protests due to rising fuel costs. (corroborated by 6 sources) - ENAP does not set or regulate final retail fuel prices; distributors determine them. (corroborated by 5 sources) - ENAP’s price adjustments consider US Gulf import costs, maritime freight, and the MEPCO/FEPP stabilization mechanisms. (corroborated by 5 sources) - The fuel price stabilization measures are scheduled to remain in effect until December 31, 2026. (corroborated by 5 sources) - ENAP will publish further estimated fuel prices on 19 August. (corroborated by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-08: Guatemala Congress approves fuel price caps and Q2,500 million subsidy Guatemala's Congress approved Decree 21-2026, setting fuel price caps of Q39 for diesel/regular and Q41 for superior gasoline, backed by a Q2,500 million stabilization fund through late 2026. 19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chile-confirms-fuel-price-increases-amid-middle-east-tensions ### 2026-09-03: Fuel prices and economic measures fluctuate across Latin America Fuel prices are fluctuating across Latin America, with Argentina offering discounts, Panama subsidizing transport, and Chile and Bolivia facing potential price hikes and sector protests. 22 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fuel-prices-rise-in-spain-while-chile-reports-stability ### 2026-08-17: Chile fuel prices projected to rise starting August 20 Chilean fuel prices are projected to rise on August 20, with gasoline and diesel increases estimated between $30 and $38 per liter due to international market trends. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chile-fuel-prices-projected-to-rise-starting-august-20 ### 2026-08-13: ENAP confirms no changes to fuel prices in Chile ENAP confirmed that gasoline, diesel, and LPG prices in Chile will remain stable this week, with paraffin prices frozen until September. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/enap-confirms-no-changes-to-fuel-prices-in-chile ### 2026-07-28: Chile's ENAP announces $33 gasoline and $28 diesel price hikes ENAP said Chile will raise 93/97‑octane gasoline by $32.9/L and diesel by $28.5/L on 30 July, citing import costs, freight and market tension; it does not set final retail prices. 25 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gasoline-prices-rise-across-mexican-states-on-july-28-2026 ### 2026-07-12: Central American fuel prices fluctuate amid global oil shifts Fuel prices in Guatemala rose, Honduras warns of Middle East conflict impact while inflation eases, and Costa Rica trims gasoline and diesel rates as global oil prices fall. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/guatemala-and-mexico-record-gasoline-price-increases --- Cite as: Fuel price volatility and regional responses in Latin Am. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/latin-america-fuel-price-hikes