Find Out Which Fuel Is More Economical for Your Vehicle

gasolina etanol combustivel


Choosing between ethanol and gasoline remains one of the biggest dilemmas for Brazilian drivers. In 2025, fuel prices continue to fluctuate due to factors such as oil price trends, Petrobras pricing policies, taxation, and sugarcane crop variations. The return of federal tax charges, such as PIS/Cofins, along with ICMS adjustments, has directly impacted the cost of fuel at gas stations.

To determine the most cost-effective option when refueling, experts recommend simple calculations, considering the vehicle’s fuel efficiency and the price per liter. With this, drivers can save money and avoid unnecessary expenses.

With fuel inflation and price fluctuations, understanding the relationship between ethanol and gasoline efficiency can make a significant difference in monthly budgets.

Price Difference Between Gasoline and Ethanol in 2025

Gasoline and ethanol prices vary by state, influenced by factors such as distribution logistics and local taxes. On average, at the beginning of 2025, the average fuel prices in Brazil were:

  • Regular Gasoline: R$ 5.85 per liter
  • Hydrated Ethanol: R$ 4.19 per liter

Ethanol is generally more cost-effective when priced at up to 70% of the gasoline price, since, despite being cheaper, it has a lower energy efficiency.

For a flex-fuel car that runs 10 km per liter on gasoline and 7 km per liter on ethanol, the cost per kilometer would be:

  • Gasoline: R$ 5.85 ÷ 10 km = R$ 0.58 per km
  • Ethanol: R$ 4.19 ÷ 7 km = R$ 0.59 per km

In this example, gasoline remains the better option. However, in ethanol-producing states, where prices tend to be lower, the calculation may favor ethanol.

When Is It Better to Use Ethanol or Gasoline?

Experts suggest that drivers use a simple formula to compare fuel costs:

(Ethanol price ÷ Gasoline price) x 100

If the result is less than 70%, ethanol is the better option. If it is above 70%, gasoline is more economical.

Practical Examples of Fuel Cost Calculation in Different States:

  • São Paulo (R$ 5.70 gasoline / R$ 3.90 ethanol) → (3.90 ÷ 5.70) x 100 = 68.4% (ethanol is more advantageous)
  • Minas Gerais (R$ 6.10 gasoline / R$ 4.80 ethanol) → (4.80 ÷ 6.10) x 100 = 78.7% (gasoline is more advantageous)
  • Rio de Janeiro (R$ 6.50 gasoline / R$ 5.10 ethanol) → (5.10 ÷ 6.50) x 100 = 78.4% (gasoline is more advantageous)

Factors That Influence Fuel Prices in 2025

The price of ethanol and gasoline depends on various factors, including:

  • Petrobras pricing policy: Oil price changes and dollar exchange rates directly affect gasoline costs.
  • Sugarcane harvest: Ethanol is cheaper when sugarcane production is high.
  • Taxation: Taxes such as ICMS, PIS, and Cofins impact the final price paid by consumers.
  • Demand and logistics costs: Regions closer to refineries or ethanol plants tend to have lower prices.

How to Save Fuel in Everyday Driving?

Besides choosing the most economical fuel, drivers can reduce costs by adopting efficient driving and vehicle maintenance practices. Some useful tips include:

  • Maintain proper tire pressure: Underinflated tires increase fuel consumption.
  • Avoid sudden acceleration and braking: Aggressive driving consumes more fuel.
  • Use air conditioning moderately: Excessive use can increase fuel consumption by up to 10%.
  • Change oil and filters regularly: Proper maintenance improves engine efficiency.
  • Avoid excessive vehicle weight: Carrying unnecessary weight increases fuel consumption.
  • Plan your routes: Avoiding traffic congestion and choosing efficient routes reduces fuel expenses.

Ethanol vs. Gasoline: Advantages and Disadvantages

Criteria Ethanol Gasoline
Average price Lower but fluctuates with crops Higher but more stable
Fuel consumption Higher (fewer kilometers per liter) Lower (better efficiency)
Environmental impact Less polluting Higher CO₂ emissions
Engine maintenance Produces fewer residues May cause carbon buildup
Taxation Lower taxes Higher taxes
Influence of dollar Lower Higher, as it is derived from oil

Fuel Price Trends for 2025

The expectation for gasoline and ethanol prices in 2025 depends on multiple factors. Some forecasts suggest that:

  • Oil prices may fluctuate due to international conflicts and OPEC agreements.
  • Ethanol could become more competitive if there is a good sugarcane harvest.
  • Taxes may undergo new adjustments, directly impacting fuel prices.

In 2024, the return of PIS/Cofins taxes on fuel increased gasoline and ethanol prices. Future taxation decisions will continue to play a role in determining fuel costs throughout 2025.

Choosing ethanol or gasoline in 2025 depends on the prices in each state and the fuel efficiency of the vehicle. The 70% rule remains a crucial guideline for determining the best option.

Drivers should monitor price fluctuations, use apps to compare costs, and adopt fuel-saving driving habits. Additionally, regular vehicle maintenance can significantly impact fuel efficiency and overall expenses.

Choosing between ethanol and gasoline remains one of the biggest dilemmas for Brazilian drivers. In 2025, fuel prices continue to fluctuate due to factors such as oil price trends, Petrobras pricing policies, taxation, and sugarcane crop variations. The return of federal tax charges, such as PIS/Cofins, along with ICMS adjustments, has directly impacted the cost of fuel at gas stations.

To determine the most cost-effective option when refueling, experts recommend simple calculations, considering the vehicle’s fuel efficiency and the price per liter. With this, drivers can save money and avoid unnecessary expenses.

With fuel inflation and price fluctuations, understanding the relationship between ethanol and gasoline efficiency can make a significant difference in monthly budgets.

Price Difference Between Gasoline and Ethanol in 2025

Gasoline and ethanol prices vary by state, influenced by factors such as distribution logistics and local taxes. On average, at the beginning of 2025, the average fuel prices in Brazil were:

  • Regular Gasoline: R$ 5.85 per liter
  • Hydrated Ethanol: R$ 4.19 per liter

Ethanol is generally more cost-effective when priced at up to 70% of the gasoline price, since, despite being cheaper, it has a lower energy efficiency.

For a flex-fuel car that runs 10 km per liter on gasoline and 7 km per liter on ethanol, the cost per kilometer would be:

  • Gasoline: R$ 5.85 ÷ 10 km = R$ 0.58 per km
  • Ethanol: R$ 4.19 ÷ 7 km = R$ 0.59 per km

In this example, gasoline remains the better option. However, in ethanol-producing states, where prices tend to be lower, the calculation may favor ethanol.

When Is It Better to Use Ethanol or Gasoline?

Experts suggest that drivers use a simple formula to compare fuel costs:

(Ethanol price ÷ Gasoline price) x 100

If the result is less than 70%, ethanol is the better option. If it is above 70%, gasoline is more economical.

Practical Examples of Fuel Cost Calculation in Different States:

  • São Paulo (R$ 5.70 gasoline / R$ 3.90 ethanol) → (3.90 ÷ 5.70) x 100 = 68.4% (ethanol is more advantageous)
  • Minas Gerais (R$ 6.10 gasoline / R$ 4.80 ethanol) → (4.80 ÷ 6.10) x 100 = 78.7% (gasoline is more advantageous)
  • Rio de Janeiro (R$ 6.50 gasoline / R$ 5.10 ethanol) → (5.10 ÷ 6.50) x 100 = 78.4% (gasoline is more advantageous)

Factors That Influence Fuel Prices in 2025

The price of ethanol and gasoline depends on various factors, including:

  • Petrobras pricing policy: Oil price changes and dollar exchange rates directly affect gasoline costs.
  • Sugarcane harvest: Ethanol is cheaper when sugarcane production is high.
  • Taxation: Taxes such as ICMS, PIS, and Cofins impact the final price paid by consumers.
  • Demand and logistics costs: Regions closer to refineries or ethanol plants tend to have lower prices.

How to Save Fuel in Everyday Driving?

Besides choosing the most economical fuel, drivers can reduce costs by adopting efficient driving and vehicle maintenance practices. Some useful tips include:

  • Maintain proper tire pressure: Underinflated tires increase fuel consumption.
  • Avoid sudden acceleration and braking: Aggressive driving consumes more fuel.
  • Use air conditioning moderately: Excessive use can increase fuel consumption by up to 10%.
  • Change oil and filters regularly: Proper maintenance improves engine efficiency.
  • Avoid excessive vehicle weight: Carrying unnecessary weight increases fuel consumption.
  • Plan your routes: Avoiding traffic congestion and choosing efficient routes reduces fuel expenses.

Ethanol vs. Gasoline: Advantages and Disadvantages

Criteria Ethanol Gasoline
Average price Lower but fluctuates with crops Higher but more stable
Fuel consumption Higher (fewer kilometers per liter) Lower (better efficiency)
Environmental impact Less polluting Higher CO₂ emissions
Engine maintenance Produces fewer residues May cause carbon buildup
Taxation Lower taxes Higher taxes
Influence of dollar Lower Higher, as it is derived from oil

Fuel Price Trends for 2025

The expectation for gasoline and ethanol prices in 2025 depends on multiple factors. Some forecasts suggest that:

  • Oil prices may fluctuate due to international conflicts and OPEC agreements.
  • Ethanol could become more competitive if there is a good sugarcane harvest.
  • Taxes may undergo new adjustments, directly impacting fuel prices.

In 2024, the return of PIS/Cofins taxes on fuel increased gasoline and ethanol prices. Future taxation decisions will continue to play a role in determining fuel costs throughout 2025.

Choosing ethanol or gasoline in 2025 depends on the prices in each state and the fuel efficiency of the vehicle. The 70% rule remains a crucial guideline for determining the best option.

Drivers should monitor price fluctuations, use apps to compare costs, and adopt fuel-saving driving habits. Additionally, regular vehicle maintenance can significantly impact fuel efficiency and overall expenses.

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