The Brazilian government has flagged 62 municipalities as high priority for detailed inspections due to suspected abusive increases in diesel prices. This information comes from a technical report released by the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) based on data intelligence resources that tracked significant price fluctuations during recent weeks. The specific periods analyzed were between February 22 to 28 and March 8 to 14, times when the international oil market was notably unstable.

The report highlights a nationwide trend, with cities from all Brazilian regions reporting alarming price hikes. For instance, municipalities like Ourinhos (SP) and Caldas Novas (GO) experienced diesel price increases of 36%, while Itabuna (BA) saw a 32% spike. Overall, the list comprises 60 municipalities, including representation from the Southeast, South, Midwest, North, and Northeast regions, indicating that the issue of excessive pricing is widespread across the country.

This initiative by the government reflects a broader concern about market practices in the fuel distribution sector, particularly in light of ongoing fluctuations in global oil prices. By targeting these 62 cities for inspections, the government aims to curb any potential exploitative practices and ensure fair pricing for consumers amidst volatile market conditions, reinforcing the importance of regulatory oversight in the energy sector.