Brazilian fuel has again fallen below prices recorded in Ciudad del Este, making Foz do Iguaçu gas stations an attractive alternative for Paraguayan drivers. Brazilian additive gasoline, comparable to premium gasoline, sells for about G. 7,500 per liter, compared to over G. 9,000 in Ciudad del Este.
The difference is even more marked for S-10 diesel. While in Ciudad del Este a liter costs about G. 10,800, in Foz do Iguaçu it can be found for approximately G. 8,000 in conversion. This represents a savings of about G. 3,000 per liter, which can mean savings close to G. 140,000 for those filling the tank completely.
However, to access these savings, one must face one of the main congestion points on the border. The Friendship Bridge records daily intense movement of vehicles and people, a situation that worsens with increased controls by Receita Federal, the Brazilian customs authority. The checks generate additional delays and contribute to traffic jams.
For many drivers, the fuel savings cease to be attractive when they must spend long minutes, or even longer, stuck in lines. The cost is not measured only in patience: it also includes fuel consumed during the wait and time lost for those who need to meet work schedules or other activities.
Still, those with time and patience continue crossing. Paraguayan drivers consulted state that when the difference per liter is sufficiently large, the savings justify enduring the delays and waiting to reach Foz do Iguaçu gas stations. For others, however, the convenience of refueling in Ciudad del Este ends up outweighing the economic benefit.
The scenario makes the Friendship Bridge the main condition for taking advantage of the price difference. While Brazilian fuel offers relief for the wallet, border congestion acts as a barrier that forces drivers to choose between saving money or saving time. On this border, for those with patience, the math still favors Foz; for those living on a tight schedule, the savings may not be worth the wait.