Colombian motorists and transport operators are facing a novel financial burden just as the country prepares for one of its busiest travel windows of the year. The National Government has authorized an increase in the precio de la gasolina en abril de 2026, with a hike of 375 pesos per gallon taking effect this Wednesday, April 1.
The timing of the adjustment is particularly poignant, as the new rates will coincide with the Holy Week (Semana Santa) holidays, a period typically marked by a surge in domestic tourism and increased pressure on the national road network. This adjustment follows the latest directives from the Comisión de Regulación de Energía y Gas (Creg), the body responsible for overseeing fuel pricing structures in Colombia.
In addition to the hike for gasoline, the cost of ACPM—the diesel fuel critical for the country’s freight and public transport sectors—will also observe an upward adjustment. According to the new Creg methodology, ACPM prices will increase by 100 pesos per gallon, a move that often ripples through the cost of food and consumer goods transported across the Andean geography.
Regional Disparities in Fuel Costs
As is common in Colombia’s complex pricing ecosystem, the impact of the increase is not uniform across the territory. The Creg’s latest data reveals a stark contrast between the interior cities and those situated on the national borders.
Villavicencio, the capital of Meta and Cali, the hub of the Valle del Cauca, are expected to record the highest gasoline prices in the country. Conversely, the border cities of Pasto and Cúcuta—which share boundaries with Ecuador and Venezuela, respectively—continue to maintain the lowest fuel values, reflecting the unique economic pressures and smuggling risks associated with frontier regions.
Across the nation, the average price for a gallon of gasoline in April 2026 is set at 15,449 pesos. However, the actual cost at the pump varies significantly depending on the municipality’s logistics and local taxes.
| City | Price per Gallon (COP) |
|---|---|
| Villavicencio | 15,991 |
| Cali | 15,900 |
| Bogotá | 15,891 |
| Medellín | 15,811 |
| Barranquilla | 15,524 |
| Pasto | 13,487 |
A Climate of Economic Tension
The fuel price hike arrives amid a period of heightened friction between the executive branch and the nation’s monetary authorities. The National Government recently announced its decision to abandon the board of the Banco de la República, citing disagreements over the management of monetary policy.
This institutional rift comes as the central bank has moved to tighten the screws on inflation, announcing an increase in interest rates to 11.25%. The divergence in strategy has led to public exchanges, with President Gustavo Petro describing certain opposing stances on the bank’s rates as a “suicidal opposition.”
For the average citizen, these macro-economic disputes translate into a double squeeze: higher costs for basic energy and more expensive credit. The synergy between rising fuel prices and high interest rates creates a challenging environment for small businesses and the construction sector, the latter of which has recently been at the center of political disputes between the administration and industry representatives like Camacol.
The broader economic impact is further complicated by the logistical strain of the holiday season, where increased demand for fuel often leads to localized shortages or further price volatility.
The ACPM Adjustment and Logistics
Even as the gasoline hike primarily affects private commuters, the 100-peso increase in ACPM is a critical metric for the agricultural and logistics sectors. Given that the majority of Colombia’s produce is moved via truck, diesel price adjustments are frequently viewed as a leading indicator for food inflation.
In the main urban centers, ACPM prices for April 2026 are distributed as follows: Bogotá stands at 11,376 pesos, Medellín at 11,401 pesos, and Cali at 11,524 pesos. The lowest rates remain in the border regions, with Cúcuta recording a price of 9,253 pesos per gallon.
Industry analysts suggest that the “new methodology” adopted by the Creg aims to reduce the government’s subsidy burden, moving the country closer to international market parity, though the transition remains politically sensitive given the current inflationary environment.
Disclaimer: This report provides economic data for informational purposes and does not constitute financial or investment advice.
The next critical checkpoint for fuel pricing will be the Creg’s May review, where regulators will assess the impact of these adjustments on inflation and determine if further corrections are necessary to stabilize the fuel fund. Market observers will also be watching for any further official responses from the Banco de la República regarding the government’s exit from its board.
We invite our readers to share their perspectives on how these price changes are affecting their local economies in the comments section below.
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