Fuel Prices Are Climbing, and Cuenca Is Feeling It

Fuel costs have been climbing steadily, and Cuenca is starting to feel the squeeze in daily transport and tourism.

Since December 2025, Ecopaís gasoline has risen 43 cents per gallon, moving from $2.73 to $3.16. That is a 15.8% increase.

Diésel Premium, used mainly by public and heavy transport, rose 34 cents per gallon, from $2.76 to $3.10, a 12.3% increase.

Super gasoline rose $1.28 per gallon, from $3.53 to $4.81. Unlike Ecopaís and Diésel Premium, Super does not receive a state subsidy.

Where Cuenca Feels It

The tourism sector is already worried. Juan Pablo Vanegas, president of the Azuay Chamber of Tourism, said sector analysis shows fewer tourists because travel to the province costs more.

Tour operators are also facing higher mobility costs, which pushes them to raise package prices.

Transport operators are under pressure too. Patricio Narváez, secretary of the Azuay Professional Drivers Union, said the difficulties deepened after the government's compensation for drivers ended.

One example: an oil change that used to cost about $180 now exceeds $350.

What Expats Should Watch

For people living in Cuenca, this is the kind of cost increase that can show up indirectly.

You may see it in airport transfers, intercity trips, tour prices, delivery costs, or transport-related service quotes. The monthly fuel price headline is only part of the story; the local impact is how businesses quietly pass those higher costs through.