The prices of the different fuels In the Dominican Republic, prices have risen between RD$6.5 and RD$23.5 per gallon so far in 2022, influenced by the rise in the cost of oil in international markets, a situation that has led citizens to resort to different methods to save in the consumption of gas, gasoline or diesel.
From reducing departures, planning routes and up-to-date maintenance of the vehicle’s fuel combustion system, they are part of the measures that Dominicans apply to counteract the increase in the cost of hydrocarbons.
“In my case, of the two vehicles in the house, we are using the smaller one more, especially on weekends. And I’m making a route for things around the house, hairdresser, laundry and car washI do it in one morning”, explained Martín Adames.
Adames added that the payments for services, such as electricity and telecable, which he previously made physically, are now made by phone, “and my consumption has dropped a lot.” He added that he is spending on fuels RD$2,000, while previously it was RD$2,500.
He suggested keeping the vehicle with a clean engine filter, calibrated spark plugs and changing them from time to time, in addition to maintaining adequate tire air pressure, clean gasoline injectors and accelerator position sensor, which will allow make it work as efficiently as possible.
From January 1 to March 11 (the date until which the latest resolution of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and MSMEs, published this Friday, applies), the price of a gallon of premium gasoline rose RD$23.5 and that of regular RD$19.
In the case of optimal diesel, the cost per gallon increased by RD$22 and regular RD$20.5 during the cited period. Similarly, the gallon of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) rose RD$6.5.
Other consumers have chosen to sacrifice their comfort when traveling or to do so during times when the vehicular flow is lower in the National District and drive at a lower speed.
“Fundamentally, I’m going without air conditioning, if I’m going to take a trip alone. I continue to pour premium (gasoline), but I try to organize myself so that, if I am going to go to the (National) District, I do it at a time when there is not much plugging or it is minimal, to spend less gasoline,” said José Francisco Pacheco, a resident of Santo Domingo East.
Some consulted by Free Journal they also said they have resorted to limiting their departures and slowing down among their fuel-saving measures.
