Ecuador: Government publishes new decree that benefits LPG taxi drivers

President Daniel Noboa has signed the Executive Decree 488 that changes the regulations on the use of Autogas for yellow taxis. This measure allows the sale of LPG as fuel for taxis legally registered with the National Transit Agency (ANT), at authorised distribution centres. In addition, the expansion or creation of new refuelling infrastructure is enabled, with authorisation from the competent authorities.

With the new regulations, the allocation of quotas for Autogas in taxis is also eliminated. This previously limited the monthly volume of LPG delivered to this sector. According to the Government, these restrictions caused long lines at service stations, affected taxi drivers' operations and represented safety risks.

The Hydrocarbons Regulation and Control Agency (ARCH) will assume supervision of the distribution of LPG in the automotive sector, guaranteeing an efficient and regulated supply.

Moreover, refuelling centres must report monthly to the Regulatory Agency the detail of sales by customer, product, quantity and license plate. Regarding technical and safety requirements for workshops, the ANT will supervise the conditions of these centres and their regulatory compliance.

For the National Government, this new measure will improve the operating conditions of taxi drivers and optimise the energy management of the automotive sector in Ecuador.

Source: El Comercio

Photo: Unsplash

February 2025