Petróleos de Venezuela S.A. (PDVSA) has initiated a pilot plan to sell Super Premium gasoline with an octane rating of 97 at a price of $1 per liter at various gas stations in Caracas. This initiative aims to diversify the fuel offerings available in the country, responding to the need for high-performance fuel suitable for vehicles with high compression engines. The program does not yet have official details regarding its duration or potential expansion phases, raising questions about its long-term viability.

The pilot program is being tested at six gas stations primarily located in the eastern parts of Caracas, including neighborhoods such as El Hatillo, Terrazas del Club Hípico, Tamanaco, Blandín, La Floresta, and Altamira. Local sources indicate that the number of participating stations could expand to between eight and ten, depending on the initial results of the pilot. The introduction of this high-octane gasoline marks a significant shift in Venezuela's fuel market, reflecting the government's efforts to enhance fuel quality amid various supply and economic challenges.

Although the fixed price of $1 per liter seems appealing in the context of current inflationary prices for gasoline globally, it remains to be seen whether this new offering can attract consumers within a market that has struggled with scarcity and quality issues in recent years. As PDVSA tests this new product, the implications for Venezuela’s fuel market dynamics will be critical, especially given the country’s economic landscape and consumer demand for reliable and high-quality fuel options.