unsubsidized premium gasoline would be one of the main blows to consumers’ pockets if the government stopped absorbing part of the international cost of fuels. For this week, the authorities are maintaining a support scheme that prevents much higher spikes at the pump, especially in high-demand products such as LPG, regular gasoline, and diesel.
According to official figures, without state help, unsubsidized premium gasoline would rise to RD$385.69 per gallon, compared to the current RD$331.10. This represents a difference of RD$54.59 per gallon currently absorbed by the State. For regular gasoline, the jump would be even more visible: it would go from RD$305.50 to RD$376.98, with an official compensation of RD$71.48.
LPG also depends on the subsidy
Unsubsidized premium gasoline is not the only case showing the pressure of international prices. Liquefied petroleum gas, one of the most sensitive fuels for Dominican households, would cost RD$158.7 per gallon if the government contribution did not exist. Currently, the price is kept at a lower level thanks to a subsidy of RD$21.50 per gallon.
In a context of external variations in the energy market, the subsidy acts as a temporary buffer to avoid abrupt transfers to the consumer. Without that coverage, the impact would be felt immediately in transportation, cooking, and the cost chain of small businesses.
Diesel: the greatest fiscal weight of the week
Fiscal pressure is also reflected in diesel. Optimal diesel, according to official details, would cost RD$367.09 per gallon without state support, whereas today it sells for RD$283.10. In this case, the Government contributes RD$83.99 per gallon, the largest subsidy of the week.
Regular diesel would follow a similar path: without a subsidy it would stand at RD$337.53, compared to the current RD$257.80. The difference of RD$79.73 per gallon confirms that this fuel remains among those with the highest burden on public finances.
More than RD$15 billion so far this year
Figures released by authorities show the magnitude of the fiscal effort. For the current week alone, the Dominican government allocated RD$1,435.0 million in fuel subsidies. So far this year, the accumulated amount exceeds RD$15 billion.
That level of spending explains why the debate on fuel subsidies remains open in the Dominican Republic. Although the measure helps moderate the immediate impact of international prices, it also represents constant pressure on the public budget.
Unsubsidized premium gasoline, LPG, and diesel will continue to set the pulse of the market as long as external costs persist and the State maintains its containment strategy.
- Premium gasoline: RD$385.69 without subsidy
- Regular gasoline: RD$376.98 without subsidy
- LPG: RD$158.7 without subsidy
- Optimal diesel: RD$367.09 without subsidy
- Regular diesel: RD$337.53 without subsidy
As long as the support scheme continues, unsubsidized premium gasoline will remain a key reference to understand how much the State actually pays to keep fuel prices stable in the country.
