Overview

Honduras is a net importer of fuels, with domestic production (refinery) representing less than 10% of demand. Honduras' main fuel supplier is the United States, followed by Mexico, Colombia and Venezuela. The fuel is imported through two import terminals in the Caribbean and stored in seven storage tanks in the country.

Fuel supply in Honduras is provided by a number of private companies, including Puma Energy, Unopetrol, Chevron, Texaco and Shell. These companies operate a network of service stations throughout the country, as well as a network of storage terminals. The government also plays a role in fuel supply, regulating fuel prices and quality.

Fuel supply in Honduras has experienced some problems in recent years. In 2016, a fuel shortage occurred due to a number of factors, including a strike by port workers and a decline in production at U.S. refineries. In 2017, the Honduran government introduced a fuel rationing program to address shortages. Fuel supply in Honduras is also vulnerable to changes in oil prices. In 2008, rising oil prices led to a fuel price increase in Honduras, leading to consumer protests. Despite these problems, fuel supply in Honduras is generally stable. The government is working to increase domestic fuel production and diversify the supplier base. These measures should help ensure a reliable fuel supply in the future.

For more information on government and fuel provider contact details, please see the following links: 4.7 Fuel Providers Contact List.

Information may also be found at: http://www.mytravelcost.com/petrol-prices/ which is updated monthly. 

Fuel prices

The price of fuel in Honduras is determined by a number of factors, including crude oil prices, taxes, competition and demand. The price of crude oil is the most important factor that determines the price of fuel. Crude oil prices are set in global markets and are influenced by a number of factors, including supply and demand, geopolitics and weather.

Taxes also have a significant impact on the price of fuel. The Honduran government imposes fuel taxes as a way to raise revenue and reduce fuel consumption.

Seasonal variations

Fuel supply in Honduras is generally stable, but may be affected by seasonal variations. During the summer months, the demand for fuel increases due to tourism and agricultural transport. The Honduran government is working to manage these seasonal variations by increasing fuel storage and diversifying the supplier base. These measures have helped ensure a reliable year-round fuel supply.

Fuel transport

Because in Honduras there are no pipelines for the transport of petroleum products, this is done by means of cistern trucks. This type of transport is regulated through   the Petroleum Customs Commission (CAP), as part of the general regulation that applies to the fuel market. The regulations include: the fixing of tariffs, the exclusivity of freight operations to national entrepreneurs, restrictions on the entry of new operators and a series of technical measures related to the risk involved in the transport of the product, such as not allowing vehicles older than 10 years, periodic inspections of the equipment, limited days in driving vehicles etc.

The fuel cargo transport service is the best organized within the totality of cargo transport. However, it presents a comparable situation as other freight transport services about market deconcentrating. Although the Herfindahl / Hirschman (HHI) index in this market is 561.6, because of the 36 companies registered by the oil management commission only two have a percentage participation that exceeds 10%, fifteen have a participation between 2% and 8.5% and among the remaining 19 none reaches 2%.

Standards, quality, and testing

Fuel quality standards in Honduras are set by the Ministry of Energy (SEN). The SEN is the government entity responsible for regulating the energy sector in Honduras.

Fuel quality standards in Honduras are based on international standards established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The SEN conducts regular tests to ensure that fuels marketed in Honduras meet established quality standards.

If fuels do not meet established quality standards, the SEN can take steps to withdraw them from the market. The SEN can also impose fines on companies that market fuels that do not meet established quality standards.

There are several national testing laboratories in Honduras that carry out tests to ensure that fuels marketed in the country meet established quality standards. These laboratories are accredited by the SEN.

The application of fuel quality standards in Honduras is effective. The SEN has a team of inspectors who carry out regular tests to ensure that fuels marketed in the country meet established quality standards. The SEN also has a system of sanctions for companies that market fuels that do not meet established quality standards.

The application of fuel quality standards in Honduras is important to protect the health of consumers and ensure the safety of vehicles.

Disclaimer: The inclusion of company information in the LCA does not imply any business relationship between the supplier and the WFP/Logistics Group, and is used solely as a determinant of services, and capabilities. Note: The WFP/logistics group maintains complete impartiality and is not in a position to endorse or comment on the suitability of any company as a trusted service provider.