Caracas is seeing a limited rollout of higher-octane gasoline as Venezuela’s state oil company, Petróleos de Venezuela S.A. (PDVSA), begins a pilot program offering “Súper Premium” fuel with a 97 octane rating. The move, announced this week, aims to diversify fuel options in the capital city and cater to vehicles requiring higher-performance gasoline, a segment of the market that has been underserved in recent years.
The initiative represents a step toward modernizing Venezuela’s hydrocarbon market, according to PDVSA. Eight strategically located service stations in Caracas are currently dispensing the new fuel, which is being marketed as “Súper Premium.” The rollout began on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, with reports from both PDVSA and local journalists confirming the availability of the 97-octane gasoline.
Journalist Nelin Escalante, specializing in economics and business, first reported on the pilot program via social media, noting that the fuel is reportedly priced at $1 per liter. Escalante’s reporting was corroborated by a team from Globovisión, who confirmed the presence of the new gasoline at various stations throughout the city.
La gasolina Súper Premium ha sido diseñada específicamente para satisfacer los requerimientos de vehículos con motores de alta compresión y una elevada exigencia técnica.
Addressing a Need for Higher-Performance Fuel
The introduction of 97-octane gasoline is intended to meet the demands of vehicles with high-compression engines, which require fuel with a higher octane rating for optimal performance. PDVSA stated that the selected service stations were chosen based on high demand and a concentration of users who require specialized fuel products. This suggests a targeted approach to initially serve vehicle owners who have been previously limited in their fuel choices.
The pilot program will allow PDVSA to assess consumer behavior and the technical response of vehicles using the new fuel before considering a wider rollout across the country. This data-driven approach is crucial for evaluating the viability and potential expansion of the “Súper Premium” gasoline.
Venezuela’s Fuel Market: A History of Challenges
Venezuela, once a major exporter of oil, has faced significant challenges in its domestic fuel supply in recent years. noticiascol.com reports that the country has struggled with refining capacity and import limitations, leading to fuel shortages and long lines at gas stations. The introduction of a higher-octane option could signal a broader effort to stabilize and modernize the nation’s fuel infrastructure.
The current fuel situation in Venezuela is complex, with varying levels of subsidy and access depending on the type of fuel and the region. The availability of “Súper Premium” gasoline at a price of $1 per liter, as reported by Escalante, represents a shift towards a more market-oriented pricing structure for at least a segment of the fuel market.
Pilot Program Details and Future Expansion
The eight service stations participating in the initial phase of the pilot program are strategically located throughout Caracas. PDVSA has not yet released a comprehensive list of the participating stations, but the selection criteria focused on areas with high traffic and a concentration of vehicles that would benefit from the higher-octane fuel.
The success of this initial phase will be critical in determining whether PDVSA expands the availability of “Súper Premium” gasoline to other regions of Venezuela. The company will be closely monitoring consumption patterns and technical feedback from vehicle owners to assess the overall demand and feasibility of a nationwide rollout.
The rollout of 97-octane gasoline is a notable development in Venezuela’s energy sector, offering a potential solution for vehicle owners seeking higher-performance fuel. PDVSA will continue to evaluate the pilot program’s results in the coming weeks, with further announcements expected regarding potential expansion plans. Consumers interested in accessing the new fuel can follow updates from PDVSA and local news sources for a list of participating service stations.
As of February 18, 2026, PDVSA has not announced a specific timeline for expanding the program beyond Caracas. The company is expected to release further details regarding the pilot program’s performance and future plans in the coming months.
