The government has published a new decree outlining how fuel prices will be set nationwide, marking a significant shift in the regulation of petroleum products.
According to the decree, published in Le Moniteur on March 27, 2026, fuel prices at the pump will now be calculated and fixed monthly by the Ministries of Economy and Finance and Commerce and Industry. The official price will be announced on the first day of each month and will apply across the entire country.
The pricing structure is based on the CIF (cost, insurance, and freight) value of imported fuel, along with various additional costs such as customs fees, port charges, taxes, transportation, storage, and profit margins for both oil companies and distributors.
The decree introduces a price adjustment mechanism:
- If the calculated price fluctuates by 3% or less, no change will be made.
- If the variation exceeds 3%, prices may be adjusted automatically, but the increase or decrease cannot exceed 10%.
- Any adjustment of 10% or more will require government approval, based on recommendations from a newly established advisory council.
This advisory council, composed of nine members representing the state, transport unions, oil companies, and distributors, will oversee the petroleum market and ensure transparency. It will also provide monthly reports and recommendations to the relevant ministries.
The decree also reinforces legal measures against illegal practices such as fuel hoarding, black-market sales, and speculative pricing, stating that such activities will be prosecuted under existing laws.
Additionally, it defines specific excise duties on fuel products, including fixed reference amounts per gallon for gasoline, diesel, and kerosene.
Authorities say the reform aims to balance public finances, stabilize fuel supply, protect consumers, and respond more effectively to fluctuations in global oil prices—especially in the context of ongoing international tensions impacting energy markets.
The decree replaces all previous legal provisions that conflict with these new regulations and takes immediate effect.
