Petrobras Raises Diesel Price by R$0.38 per Liter Amid Government Mitigation Measures
Petrobras increases diesel prices by R$0.38, but government tax cuts and subsidies aim to reduce the impact on consumers amid rising global oil prices.
- • Petrobras raises diesel price by R$0.38 per liter effective March 14, 2026.
- • New average prices: R$3.65 per liter for diesel A and R$3.10 for diesel B.
- • Government eliminates PIS and Cofins taxes, reducing diesel price by R$0.32 per liter.
- • Subsidies for importers and producers could cut an additional R$0.32 per liter, totaling R$0.64 relief.
- • Price hike influenced by escalating oil prices due to geopolitical conflicts involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran.
Key details
On March 13, 2026, Petrobras announced a diesel price increase of R$0.38 per liter effective from March 14. The average price for diesel A at refineries will rise to R$3.65 per liter, while diesel B, the final product mixed with biofuels and sold to consumers, will average R$3.10 per liter.
This adjustment comes amid rising international oil prices impacted by ongoing geopolitical tensions, specifically U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran affecting key oil supply routes like the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of the world’s oil and gas passes. Brent crude oil futures have surged to nearly $100 per barrel, up from $70 just two weeks ago.
To ease the impact on consumers, the Brazilian government recently implemented measures to control fuel price hikes. These include eliminating federal taxes PIS and Cofins, reducing diesel prices by R$0.32 per liter. Additionally, a provisional measure allows subsidies for importers and producers, potentially cutting costs by another R$0.32, totaling a possible R$0.64 reduction per liter in diesel prices for end consumers.
Diesel prices had remained relatively stable since the last adjustment in May 2025, with a prior increase in February 2025. Since December 2022, diesel prices have dropped cumulatively by R$0.84 per liter — a 29.6% decrease when adjusted for inflation, offering some relief before this recent rise.
These changes reflect Petrobras’s response to the fluctuating global oil market and Brazil's efforts to soften price increases amid external pressures affecting fuel costs nationally.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
