Replenishment of sales during the festive period supported fuel prices
The year 2025 began with a very strong demand for biofuel. A survey by the Center for Advanced Studies in Applied Economics (Cepea) at Esalq/USP shows that, from December 30 to January 3, the volume of hydrated ethanol traded on the spot market in the state of São Paulo almost doubled compared to the previous period.
In addition to the expectation of firm prices in the coming months with the longer off-season in the Center-South, the replenishment of sales during last year’s festive period also supported prices.
In the week between December 30 and January 3, the Cepea/Esalq indicator for hydrated ethanol was R$2.6712 per liter (net of ICMS and PIS/Cofins), an increase of 0.99% compared to the previous period. In the case of anhydrous sugar, the price rose 0.82%, to R$3.0339 per liter.
Sugar
In the same period, the Cepea/Esalq indicator for white crystal sugar recorded a slight increase of R$0.08% compared to the previous week, with the average price at R$160.43 per 50-kilo bag.
According to Cepea, negotiations involving white crystal sugar on the São Paulo spot market were slow in the first days of 2025. With reduced liquidity, prices showed small fluctuations.