Government Aims to Improve Fuel Quality and Protect the Environment… Intensifies Technical Support and Inspections for Gas Station Operators

The Paraguayan government has announced the postponement of the enforcement date for Decree 3241/25, which stipulates new technical specifications for petroleum-derived liquid fuels, and will implement strict quality control starting in June. Marcelo Benítez, Director of Fuels at the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MIC), stated in an interview with local media outlet Última Hora (ÚH) that the decree's implementation date was delayed from early May to June at the request of the gas station industry.

Director Benítez added that a series of inspections will be conducted during the postponement period to manage fuel quality. The primary goal of the inspections, which began on the 24th, is to raise awareness among gas station operators nationwide regarding proper practices for fuel handling and management, and to provide technical recommendations.

In particular, the current inspections will focus on the biofuel blending ratios for gasoline and diesel sold at all gas stations. Gasoline must be sold in a form blended with 30% ethanol, and Type 3 diesel (regular diesel) must be blended with 5% biodiesel. This is in accordance with the government's mandatory biofuel blending policy. Paraguay has been implementing the mandatory blending of biofuels with petroleum fuels since July 2023, and these inspections are seen as a measure to verify the implementation status of this policy and strengthen regulatory oversight.

One of the key provisions of the new decree is the reclassification of commercial gasoline. Instead of the existing octane rating system, new names and color codes will be introduced to make it easier for consumers to identify fuel types. Specifically, RON (Research Octane Number) 88 will be renamed 'Rojo (Red)', 93 as 'Amarillo (Yellow)', 97 as 'Azul (Blue)', and 98 as 'Verde (Green)'. This change is expected to provide consumers with clearer information for fuel selection and prevent confusion.

Director Benítez emphasized, "This new decree fundamentally aims to improve fuel quality," and explained, "For example, it will bring noticeable improvements in terms of environmental aspects and fuel storage." He added that the mandatory biofuel blending will have a positive impact on environmental protection, and the new fuel classification system will enhance consumer convenience.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, in cooperation with the National Institute of Technology and Standardization (INTN) and the Consumer Protection Agency (Sedeco), has already begun surveillance activities on the quality level of liquid fuels. These surveillance activities target the overall fuel quality, including the blending ratios of ethanol and biodiesel. The government plans to establish fuel quality standards, eradicate illegal fuel distribution, protect consumer rights, and reduce environmental pollution through these measures.

Experts predict that this government action will have a positive long-term impact on Paraguay's fuel market. Improved fuel quality can lead to better vehicle performance and reduced emissions, contributing to environmental protection, and transparent fuel information can help consumers make rational choices. However, they also point out that the successful implementation of the new regulations requires continuous government supervision and active cooperation from the gas station industry.

The government stated that it will continue to conduct surveillance and inspection activities on fuel quality and will make additional policy efforts as necessary to ensure a stable supply of high-quality fuel to consumers.