Dominican consumers are facing a sharp increase in fuel costs as international oil prices hit US$100 per barrel due to Middle East volatility. The Ministry of Industry, Commerce (MICM) announced that premium diesel has risen to RD$257.10 and regular diesel to RD$239.80, both reflecting a RD$10.00 per gallon increase. To prevent further social unrest, the government has announced a temporary subsidy plan, though opposition leaders Leonel Fernández and Francisco Javier García have criticized the move as insufficient given the current fiscal strain.
Meanwhile, the country could experience relief as reports are that the price of fuel has dropped to US$88 per barrel. In a significant shift for the Dominican energy sector, the price of West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the regional benchmark, has retreated to US$88 per barrel this morning. This follows a volatile week when prices spiked above US$100 amid escalating Middle East tension. Market analysts attribute the decline to a record release of emergency oil reserves by the International Energy Agency (IEA) and signs of a potential “negotiated pause” in the conflict. While local fuel prices were adjusted upward last Friday, 20 March 2026 (premium diesel at RD$257.10), the drop to US$88 provides the government with much-needed breathing room to maintain or potentially reduce the current subsidy burden in the coming week.
The stories highlight that the price drop was a direct reaction to a five-day diplomatic extension announced by the U.S. and the ongoing impact of the IEA’s record 400-million-barrel reserve release. Details how WTI plunged toward US$88 after the White House ordered a five-day delay to military strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure, providing the first major relief to markets in weeks.
Fuel prices are now at RD$305.10 the galon of gasoline premium, RD$287.50 regular gasoline, RD$257.10 premium diesel and RD$239.80 regular diesel for 24 March 2026.
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Ministry of Industry & Commerce
Ministry of Industry & Commerce
Daily News Egypt
24 March 2026