The Consumer Protection and Competition Authority (Acodeco) has raised an alert about the bill promoted by the Executive to mandate the use of ethanol in fuels. The authority warns that the measure violates basic rights and directly impacts consumers.
In its opinion sent to Deputy Alexandra Brenes, Acodeco states that Bill 443 clashes with the Constitution. The primary objection is that it limits freedom of choice. If the law mandates the use of gasoline blended with ethanol, consumers lose the option of choosing another type of fuel.
Acodeco clarifies that it lacks specialized technical, scientific, or economic studies on the quality or impact of ethanol blends. They also requested consulting with vehicle manufacturers to determine if warranty conditions will be maintained, meaning owners of incompatible or older vehicles would have no alternatives.
Furthermore, Acodeco warns of a negative impact on competition. When the entire market is forced to operate under a single formula, competitive conditions are reduced, potentially affecting prices, quality, and availability. The authority notes that responsibility for conducting such studies lies with the National Energy Secretariat.
The bill was presented to the National Assembly by the Minister of the Presidency, Juan Carlos Orillac, in October 2025 and is now in its first debate in the Trade Commission, chaired by Deputy Ernesto Cedeño.
