A. M. 
The Dirección General de Energía, Hidrocarburos y Minas (DGEHM) reported that reference prices for fuels in El Salvador will increase for the period from March 3 to 16, 2026, due to international factors that have pushed up the oil market.
Factors influencing the increase
According to the institution, one of the main factors impacting prices is the escalation of tensions in the Middle East, following attacks by the United States and Israel against Iran and the subsequent closure of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most important maritime routes for global oil transport. This situation has led to increases in the international price of crude oil and its derivatives.
Added to this is the latest report from the International Energy Agency (IEA), which reported declines in gasoline and diesel inventories in the United States, which has also driven increases in international prices.
Another factor highlighted is the increase in maritime oil transport rates, which makes the logistics chain more expensive and has a direct impact on the final prices of hydrocarbons.
New reference prices
For this period, reference prices show an increase of US$0.05 per gallon in all three zones of the country.
Central Zone
• Premium gasoline: US$3.82 (+US$0.05)
• Regular gasoline: US$3.59 (+US$0.05)
• Diesel: US$3.51 (+US$0.05)
Western Zone
• Premium gasoline: $3.83 (+$0.05)
• Regular gasoline: $3.60 (+$0.05)
• Diesel: $3.52 (+$0.05)
Eastern Zone
• Premium gasoline: $3.86 (+$0.05)
• Regular gasoline: $3.63 (+$0.05)
• Diesel: $3.56 (+$0.05)
The DGEHM clarified that these prices already include applicable taxes, including the Contribution for the Contribución para la Estabilización de las Tarifas del Servicio Público del Transporte Colectivo de Pasajeros (COTRANS), Fondo de Estabilización del Fomento Económico (FEFE) and Impuesto Especial a los Combustibles (IEC).
Controls reinforced at gas stations
In light of this adjustment, the institution assured that it has intensified inspections at gas stations nationwide to ensure that consumers receive the exact amount of fuel they pay for and that the product complies with technical quality specifications.
Inspectors also constantly monitor companies that sell petroleum products. If they detect any breaches of the regulations, the companies may face penalties in accordance with the law.
With these actions, the DGEHM seeks to protect the end consumer and ensure transparency in the market, in an international context that continues to generate volatility in oil prices.
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