Brazilians cross into Argentina searching for cheaper gasoline

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – After the fuel prices adjustment announced in Brazil on March 10, Brazilians from cities close to the Argentine borders opted to fill their tanks in the neighboring country. The movement at service stations in Puerto Iguazú, Paso de los Libres, and Santo Tomé has grown to the point that there is a limit of liters for sale to Brazilians.

Argentina followed Brazil’s price increases. YPF raised gasoline and diesel prices for the second time in Argentina this year, with an average of 9.5% for super and 11% for premium throughout the country.

Carlos Obregón owns a gas station in Paso de los Libres, separated by a bridge from the municipality of Uruguaiana, where over the weekend, it cost ARS 107 (R$5.05).

According to the trader, the search for Argentine fuel began even before the price increase in Brazil. The demand even left the station out of stock.

“We had days when we ran out of fuel. We are looking to increase storage, so it does not happen again; profits have grown by around 60% in the last few weeks,” Obregón calculates.

To increase the interest of Brazilians in Argentinean fuel, Obregón says that there is the possibility of a payment in reais and Brazilian cards. He already plans to invest in advertising here in Brazil.

At a station in São Tomé, it was necessary to establish a maximum quota of liters of fuel for Brazilians to have no shortage for Argentines. Prices in the city are higher: it cost ARS 150 over the weekend.