Puerto Rico residents say they are "up to their necks" as a series of price increases hit their pockets throughout 2026. On January 1, tolls rose between 5 and 15 cents under a contract with MetroPistas. The conflict in the Strait of Hormuz, which began in February, pushed gasoline sharply higher: regular went from $3.07 per gallon in March to $4.06 in April and $4.49 in May, and by October the gallon reached about $5.50, with diesel hitting historic levels that raised hauling costs and supermarket prices.
Puerto Rico residents say they are "up to their necks" as a series of price increases hit their pockets throughout 2026.
Higher fuel costs brought a request to raise the electricity bill, and a 4.9% increase took effect on July 1, the same day a 2% water increase kicked in, adding between 60 cents and a dollar; that water increase is set by law as part of the fiscal adjustment plan. October brought another electricity increase, an announced propane rate adjustment, and the start of fines for using the Autoexpreso lanes without a balance. Starting November 13, a coffee price increase will take effect.