Fuel sales in Argentina fell in the first half of the year, while gasoline prices continue to rise, with a new increase starting this Sunday.
In the first half of the year, the volume of fuel sold amounted to 8.24 million cubic meters, which represents a 9.3% decrease over one yearaccording to a report by the consultancy firm Politikon Chaco.
By type of fuel, cumulative gasoline sales recorded a contraction of 8.2% year-on-year in the first half, while in the case of diesel -used in Argentina for the transport of loads and agricultural machinery- the decrease was 10.6%.
In a context of very high inflation (271.5% over one year in June; 79.8% cumulative in the first half) and loss of purchasing power of salaries in Argentina, Consumers reduce their loading at gas stations given the constant increases in fuel prices recorded since last December.
A further increase will take place this Sunday, when prices will climb almost a 3% at charging stations.
The “super” gasoline (the cheapest on the Argentine market) will be sold from this Sunday at around 1,020 pesos (1.04 dollars / 94 euro cents) per liter at gas stations in Buenos Aires.
The price of this fuel, taking into account the increase this Sunday, will have accumulated a increase of 84.4% andso far this year.
The successive increases are part of the policy of the Executive of the libertarian Javier Milei, who assumed the presidency last December, to free the repressed prices of the economy and, in the case of fuels, to raise them to higher levels. in line with international markets and more profitable for companies in the sector.
Added to this since February are the successive increases in petrol prices following the government’s decision to activate a update on certain taxes on fuels that the previous government had delayed.
