A new adjustment in fuel prices is directly impacting the wallets of drivers in El Salvador. Starting May 12, 2026, gasoline and diesel prices have increased, raising the cost per gallon to levels not seen in recent months. This is happening against a backdrop of instability in international markets and reduced inventories in the United States.
The Directorate General for Energy, Hydrocarbons, and Mines reported that between May 12 and 25, the reference price for premium gasoline rose to USD 4.74 per gallon in the central region and USD 4.75 in the western and eastern regions.
Regular gasoline is priced at USD 4.41 in the central region and USD 4.42 in other regions. Diesel is set at USD 4.44 for the entire country.
The increase amounts to USD 0.11 per gallon for gasoline and USD 0.07 for diesel compared to previous prices. This change reflects the pressure from global factors, including attacks on oil infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates, the stalled negotiations between the United States and Iran, and the prolonged decline in fuel inventories in the United States, according to authorities.
During the period of validity of the new prices, the official recommendation is to regularly check for updates and to consider these changes when planning trips and activities that depend on fuel consumption. International volatility…
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Infographic shows the increase in fuel prices in El Salvador since May 12, 2026, highlighting the cost of premium gasoline at USD 4.75 per gallon and the impact on drivers. (Illustrative Image Infobae) A new adjustment in fuel prices directly impacts the wallets of drivers in El Salvador. Since May 12, 2026, gasoline and diesel have registered increases that raise the cost per gallon to levels not seen in recent months, in a context marked by instability in international markets and reduced inventories in the United States. The General Directorate of Energy, Hydrocarbons and Mines reported that, between May 12 and 25, the reference price for premium gasoline rose to USD 4.74 per gallon in the central zone and USD 4.75 in the western and eastern zones. Regular gasoline is priced at USD 4.41 in the central zone and USD 4.42 in other regions. Diesel is set at USD 4.44 for the entire country. The increase is equivalent to USD 0.11 per gallon for gasoline and USD 0.07 for diesel compared to previous values. This change reflects the pressure from global factors, including attacks on oil infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates, the stalemate in negotiations between the United States and Iran, and the prolonged decline in fuel inventories in the United States, according to authorities. Premium gasoline reaches USD 4.74 in the central zone and USD 4.75 in the western and eastern zones of El Salvador. (Illustrative Image Infobae) During the period of validity of the new prices, the official recommendation is to periodically check updates and consider these changes when planning trips and activities that depend on fuel consumption. International volatility has had an immediate impact on domestic prices, affecting both individuals and businesses. The upward trend is not new. Between March 17 and May 11, 2026, El Salvador has experienced sustained increases in reference prices, with bi-weekly adjustments that already added a considerable impact before the latest announcement. From March 17 to 30: Premium gasoline: USD 0.26 Regular gasoline: USD 0.25 Diesel: USD 0.26 From March 31 to April 13: Premium gasoline: USD 0.21 Regular gasoline: USD 0.13 Diesel: USD 0.38 From April 14 to 27: Premium gasoline: USD 0.27 Regular gasoline: USD 0.26 Diesel: USD 0.15 From April 28 to May 11: Premium gasoline: USD 0.07 Regular gasoline: USD 0.07 Diesel: USD 0.07 Adding the increase from the current bi-week, the accumulated increase since March 17 is as follows: Premium gasoline: USD 0.81 + USD 0.11 = USD 0.92 Regular gasoline: USD 0.71 + USD 0.11 = USD 0.82 Diesel: USD 0.86 + USD 0.07 = USD 0.93 From March 17 to May 12, 2026, the price of a gallon of premium gasoline has increased by 0.92 USD, regular gasoline by 0.82 USD, and diesel by 0.93 USD. These increases reflect the sum of the official adjustments made by the authorities in each bi-week, with the latest increase announced for the second half of May. Since March 17, fuel prices have shown an upward trend with accumulated increases of up to USD 0.93 per gallon for diesel. (Illustrative Image Infobae) The increase in fuel prices in El Salvador is due to a combination of international factors, such as geopolitical instability in producing regions and low US inventories. Authorities recommend continuing to consult official channels and taking into account variations when planning activities that involve travel or intensive fuel consumption. The current situation shows a persistent pressure on local prices, which could continue if there are no significant changes in the international situation of energy markets.