During the first quarter of the year, Costa Rica was able to save 27.8% ($89 million) in the oil bill compared to the same period last year.
The price of a barrel of crude went from $65 in 2015 to $44 this year.
The bill fell despite a 5.5% increase in the amount of imported barrels, according to a report published by the central bank, with official figures between January and March.
Last year, the country had already saved $890 million in the purchase of fuel compared to 2014.
The consulting firm EY noted that both the rise and fall in oil and fuel prices do not hit inflation rates in Central America as fast as in other countries. Costa Rica and Dominican Republic see the impact about three months later.
Paradoxically, that makes Costa Ricans perceive savings in the oil bill with a lag. The clearest example is that last week a rather sharp rise in fuel prices was approved.
In June, oil prices register a downward trend again, which won’t be reflected until September.