Saturday, 07 May 2022 03:24

Fuel consumption increases 7% in first quarter 2022

Written by Evelyn Alas

Fuel consumption at service stations increased 7% in the first quarter of 2022, despite gasoline and diesel being more expensive than a year ago.

Data from the Dirección de Hidrocarburos y Minas (DHM), of the Ministerio de Economía (MINEC), indicate that in the first quarter of 2021 in El Salvador 91.7 million gallons were consumed.

In contrast, in the first three months of this year consumption was 98.2 million gallons, which implies an additional 6.4 million, a 7% increase.

The largest rebound was detected in march, because while in january and february consumption dropped from 32 to 30 million gallons, in the last month of this quarter 35 million gallons were consumed.

Data from the Directorate indicate that a year ago gasoline was purchased up to 40 % cheaper and diesel was 80 % more accessible.

The Minec pointed out that the increase in fuel prices is due to the fact that the International Energy Agency (IEA) registers low gasoline and diesel reserves, in addition to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.