Guatemala Fuel Prices

Guatemala’s fuel prices are published weekly by the Ministerio de Energia y Minas (MEM). Prices vary significantly by department – remote areas like Peten and Huehuetenango pay Q2-3 more per gallon than Guatemala City due to transportation costs from Pacific coast refineries.

Current National Average

The table above shows the latest weekly fuel prices from MEM. Guatemala sells fuel by the gallon (not liter), which catches some visitors off guard. At current exchange rates, Guatemalan gas prices are comparable to US prices – roughly $4.60-5.20 per gallon depending on grade and location.

Understanding Fuel Prices by Department

Fuel prices in Guatemala follow a predictable geographic pattern. Departments closest to the Pacific coast refineries (Guatemala, Escuintla, Retalhuleu) consistently have the lowest prices. Remote departments reached by long mountain or jungle roads (Peten, Huehuetenango, Alta Verapaz, Quiche) pay premiums of Q1.50-2.50 per gallon due to transportation costs.

The price difference matters most for frequent drivers and anyone planning road trips. A full tank (15 gallons) in Peten costs roughly Q35-40 more than the same fill-up in Guatemala City.

Cheapest Departments

1. Guatemala – Home to the capital and major distribution centers
2. Escuintla – Closest to Pacific coast refinery operations
3. Retalhuleu – Pacific lowlands, short distribution chain

Most Expensive Departments

1. Peten – Furthest from refineries, jungle roads add transport cost
2. Huehuetenango – Remote highlands, mountain roads
3. Quiche – Isolated communities, limited infrastructure
4. Izabal – Caribbean coast, long supply chain

Price Trends

Guatemala’s fuel prices are influenced by global oil markets but also by local factors:

• International oil prices are the biggest driver. When crude rises, Guatemalan pump prices follow within 1-2 weeks
• The quetzal-dollar exchange rate matters because Guatemala imports refined fuel priced in USD. A stronger quetzal means lower fuel costs
• Transportation costs within Guatemala create the department-by-department variation
• Taxes: Guatemala charges IDP (Impuesto de Distribucion de Petroleo) at fixed rates per gallon

Over the past two years, fuel prices have risen approximately 15%, largely tracking global crude oil trends. The MEM publishes updated reference prices every Thursday, which stations adopt the following week.

Fuel Types in Guatemala

Guatemala offers three standard fuel grades at most stations:

Regular (87 Octane)

The most common grade, used by the majority of vehicles. Guatemala’s regular fuel uses an E10 blend (10% ethanol, 90% gasoline). This is what you’ll use for most rental cars and standard vehicles.

Premium (95 Octane)

Higher octane for performance vehicles and some imported cars that require it. Costs Q4-5 more per gallon than regular. Only necessary if your vehicle manual specifies premium fuel.

Diesel

Significantly cheaper than gasoline and used by most buses, trucks, and commercial vehicles. Some SUVs and pickup trucks in Guatemala also run on diesel. If you’re renting a vehicle, always confirm the fuel type before filling up.

Major Gas Station Chains

Guatemala has several major fuel retail chains:

• Shell – Largest network, found nationwide including rural areas
• Uno (Chevron/Texaco) – Strong presence, often competitive pricing
• Puma – Growing network, common in urban areas
• Texaco – Some stations still carry the Texaco brand separately
• PDC – Smaller regional chain

Most stations in Guatemala City and departmental capitals accept credit cards (Visa and Mastercard). Rural and small-town stations may be cash only – always carry quetzales when driving outside major cities.

Tips for Drivers

Planning Road Trips

• Fill up before remote stretches. The road from Flores to Tikal has limited fuel options. The CA-14 through Alta Verapaz has long stretches between stations.
• The road to Semuc Champey from Coban has no gas stations for the last 2+ hours. Fill up in Coban or Lanquin.
• Pacific highway (CA-2) has frequent stations. The Pan-American Highway (CA-1) through the highlands is well-served.

Saving Money

• Guatemala City and Escuintla consistently offer the lowest prices
• Some stations offer small discounts for cash payment
• Sunday prices are the same as weekday – no weekend surcharge
• Full-service is standard (attendants pump gas), but prices are the same as self-serve

Rental Cars

• Most rental cars take regular (87 octane) gasoline
• Confirm fuel type at pickup – some vehicles require diesel
• Return with a full tank to avoid inflated refueling charges
• Keep fuel receipts in case of disputes

How Prices Are Set

The MEM (Ministerio de Energia y Minas) monitors fuel prices through its weekly publication system:

1. Every Thursday, MEM publishes updated reference prices based on:
   • International crude oil futures
   • Refinery costs and margins
   • Import taxes (IDP, IVA)
   • Transportation costs to each department
2. Gas stations adjust prices the following week, though they have some flexibility
3. Prices are not strictly regulated – the MEM publishes reference prices, and stations typically stay within Q0.50 of these references

Guatemala imports most of its refined fuel. The country has limited refining capacity, so pump prices closely track international markets with a slight delay.

Gas Prices vs Other Countries

For context, Guatemala’s fuel prices are:

• Similar to the United States (~$4.50-5.20/gallon in 2026)
• Cheaper than Mexico (where prices have risen sharply)
• More expensive than El Salvador and Honduras (which have fuel subsidies)
• Much cheaper than Costa Rica (~$6+/gallon)

Given that average Guatemalan wages are much lower than US wages, fuel costs represent a larger share of household budgets here. This is why diesel buses and chicken buses remain the primary transportation for most Guatemalans.

Fuel and Your Budget

If you’re planning to drive in Guatemala, budget approximately:

• City driving (Guatemala City, Antigua): Q300-500/month for moderate use
• Weekly road trips: Q150-300 per trip depending on distance
• Cross-country drive (GUA to Flores, ~500km): Q400-600 one way

For current exchange rates to convert these to USD, see our exchange rates page. For overall budget planning, check our cost of living guide.

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Data updated weekly from MEM Guatemala. See our interactive map for department-by-department data on cost of living, safety, and more. For currency conversion, check today’s exchange rate.