Since the start of the war against Iran on February 28, Campinas, Brazil, has registered 18 complaints concerning alleged abusive fuel pricing. These complaints cover various fuel types including gasoline, diesel, ethanol, and compressed natural gas (CNG). The complaints, which were recorded up until March 19, indicate an alarming trend with nearly one complaint filed each day throughout this period. Noteworthy is the fact that during the entire year of 2025, no such complaints were noted by the Procon in the city.

The complaints coincide with rising global oil prices, which have surged due to recent attacks on refineries and supply chains along with ongoing tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. In response to these challenges, the Brazilian federal government has announced tax reductions and a subsidy of R$ 0.32 for diesel fuel. However, the impact of these measures has yet to be reflected at the fuel pumps in Campinas, leaving consumers feeling the pressure of escalating costs without immediate relief.

The director of Procon, Paulo Giglio, expressed that an increase in prices does not automatically qualify as abusive, especially in light of the turbulent global context. Nevertheless, he stressed that the ongoing war does not inherently justify price hikes, as the burden of such financial increases often falls on average consumers. This situation highlights the fragile balance between international conflicts and domestic economic stability, and it brings forward the ongoing challenge for consumers facing rising costs amidst geopolitical disruptions.