Minister says fuel prices may rise this year

Fuel prices in Brazil are controlled by the government; they are in a
category known as administrated prices (“preços administrados”).

Yesterday, the minister of Mines and Energy, Edson Lobão,  declared
that there is a possibility that the price of gasoline could be adjusted
this year, but that no decision has been made by the government yet.

“An adjustment is needed. It is now nine years since prices at the pump
went up. However, our concern is with inflation. That is a permanent
concern. We are weighing the need for a price increase and the inflation
problem,” explained the minister.

Lobão said it was the wish of the government to put off any price
increase as long as possible, but that “…the need for an adjustment is
such that the administration may be forced to give way to necessity.”

Asked about the size of the adjustment, Lobão said he did not want to
make an estimate. “This is being examined by the Ministries of Finance
and Mines and Energy. First, a number will be reached. Only after that
will a decision be made. A decision that still has not been made,” said
the minister.