Gas Prices Change Today: Extra and Ecopaís Up 9 Cents, Súper Drops 17 Cents, Diesel Holds Steady

If you filled up yesterday, good timing — at least for regular gas.

Ecuador’s monthly fuel price adjustment took effect at midnight on February 12, as mandated by the band-based pricing system introduced in July 2024. Here’s what changed.

New Prices (Feb 12 – Mar 11, 2026)

| Fuel | New Price | Previous Price | Change | |------|-----------|---------------|--------| | Extra (regular) | $2.76/gal | $2.67/gal | +$0.09 | | Ecopaís (regular) | $2.76/gal | $2.67/gal | +$0.09 | | Súper Premium 95 | $3.19/gal | $3.36/gal | -$0.17 | | Diesel Premium | $2.70/gal | $2.71/gal | -$0.01 |

How the Pricing Works

Ecuador uses a band system for fuel pricing that adjusts monthly based on international crude oil prices. The rules:

• Prices can rise a maximum of 5% per month
• Prices can fall a maximum of 10% per month
• Adjustments are set by presidential decree — this month it’s Decree 303, signed by President Noboa

Súper Premium operates under free market pricing, so the government figure ($3.19) is referential — individual stations may vary.

Recent Policy Context

The diesel price is particularly notable. In September 2025, the Noboa administration eliminated the diesel subsidy entirely, raising the price from $1.80 to $2.80 per gallon — a move that triggered protests and a state of emergency. Since December 2025, diesel has been under the same band system as gasoline.

The fact that diesel is now at $2.70 — below the initial post-subsidy price — reflects recent softening in global oil markets.

What This Means for Expats

• Your regular fill-up costs more: A typical 15-gallon tank of Extra now costs $41.40, up from $40.05 — about $1.35 more per fill-up
• Súper drivers save: If you drive a vehicle that requires premium fuel, you’ll save about $2.55 per fill-up
• Diesel holds: If you have a diesel vehicle or rely on diesel-powered services (generators, delivery trucks, buses), prices are essentially flat
• Bus fares: Urban bus fares are regulated separately and aren’t directly affected by these changes. Inter-city bus prices may adjust slightly
• Monthly rhythm: Get used to checking fuel prices on the 12th of each month — that’s when the band adjusts

Sources: Primicias, Teleamazonas, Decreto Ejecutivo 303