Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader reaffirmed the Dominican government’s policy of containing fuel prices through targeted subsidies designed to cushion the impact of international market fluctuations on the economy.
During the weekly LA Agenda Semanal program, Abinader and Industry, Commerce and MSMEs Minister Eduardo Sanz Lovatón explained how the subsidies are structured, emphasizing support for fuels used in public transportation, agriculture, electricity generation and other productive activities.
Sanz Lovatón said the government currently subsidizes diesel for mass transportation by about RD$200 per gallon. Regular diesel receives RD$120 per gallon, keeping its retail price at RD$270.80 instead of RD$390, while premium diesel is priced at RD$318 rather than RD$438 due to a similar subsidy.
By comparison, premium gasoline receives a RD$26-per-gallon subsidy, while liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) receives RD$52. The minister said the weekly adjustments are determined by international prices for refined petroleum products rather than crude oil prices alone.
The Dominican Republic imports most of its fuel already refined, meaning changes in international refined-product markets do not necessarily move in direct proportion to changes in crude oil prices, Sanz Lovatón explained.
Abinader said geopolitical tensions have placed particular pressure on global refining capacity and diesel prices. He reiterated that the government has sought to absorb much of these increases to limit their impact on consumers.
The president also pointed to rising energy demand, noting that vehicle imports increased 48% between 2019 and 2025, from about 177,000 to 280,000 units annually. He said the government is also redirecting savings and resources to help finance fuel subsidies and support micro, small and medium-sized enterprises through technical assistance and access to credit.
Abinader said the measures are intended to address immediate economic pressures while preserving public investment and maintaining the country’s economic growth.