The number of gas stations at which the Agency for the Regulation and Control of Energy and Non-Renewable Natural Resources (Arcernnr) imposed a system of premium diesel quotas rose from 109 to 455, with the aim of determining measures to prevent improper use and irregular supply of this energy source, according to the state entity.

The agency announced in a statement that it had decided to approve and set reference quantities – although they did not state the figure – to gas stations “which represented an unusual increase in the shipment of this fuel”.

Gas stations have been given 60 days to justify an unusual increase in diesel sales of up to 500%

The measure, which applies from August 2023, was adopted after a round table held between Arcernnr, the Ministry of Energy and Mining, the Tax Administration and Petroecuador.

The agency made an analysis of statistical data, which is based on Petroecuador’s deliveries of premium diesel in the automotive segment in the first half of 2023, which shows an increase compared to the same period in 2022.

In mid-July, Petroecuador reported that of the 1,813,596,451 gallons of liquid fuels obtained from petroleum throughout the country, the automotive sector received 1,132,944,609. While the remaining amount, i.e. more than HRK 600 million, is distributed among the following sectors: industry 369,243,134; international shipping (150,343,315); air (57,065,120); national shipping company (53,379,259); special industry (29,601,123); and artisanal fishing (21,019,892).

The price of super gasoline crosses the $4 mark again

The agency reported on July 25 that the measure applies to 109 distribution centers in 21 provinces, and a day after that statement, the Minister of Energy, Fernando Santos, indicated that they were given 60 days for gas stations to justify unusual increases in the sale of this fuel and that had they not done so, there would have been no increase in quotas.

Azuay, Esmeraldas and Orellana were not included in the 21 provinces, however, in the announcement of the Agency on August 11, those three have already been added and there are now a total of 455 stations. The largest number of distribution centers where reference quantities will be set are located in: Pichinchi with 89 gas stations; Guayas (77); and Manabí (47).

Petroecuador is in charge of “immediately” executing shipments to 455 gas stations and sending “daily shipments” of fuel. If there are “additional” fuel requirements to those established, they must request Arcernnr “and duly justified and supported for joint analysis and assessment with Petroecuador” to protect the supply of clean products and liquefied petroleum gas in the national territory.