Kast’s Gasoline Price Surge: Unraveling the Controversial History of Finance Minister Jorge Quiroz

Original article: Caso colusiones, farmacias, asfalto y navieras: el historial del ministro de Hacienda detrás del ‘bencinazo’ de Kast Jorge Quiroz’s Controversial History: From Defending Colluding Companies to the «Gasoline Price Surge» Crisis The «Gasoline Price Surge» Hits Chilean Families Hard Chile is grappling with an economic and social crisis triggered by the «Gasoline Price Surge»—commonly referred to as Kast’s Gasoline Crisis—which took effect on March 26, 2026. The government, led by José Antonio Kast, opted not to implement the Fuel Price Stabilization Mechanism (Mepco), resulting in an unprecedented price hike: gasoline prices soared by 14. 2% in just two weeks, while diesel prices skyrocketed by 29.

6%, according to GlobalPetrolPrices as reported by NuevoPoder. CL. The impact on struggling families is devastating.

FRANCE 24 reported that diesel prices have increased by as much as 60% in some communities. Meanwhile, a Cadem survey revealed that 60% of Chileans consider the measure «avoidable. » Kast’s disapproval ratings have exceeded 55%, showing a significant drop in public approval just weeks after taking office.

Uncovering Jorge Quiroz’s History: 15 Records Exposed by CIPER As families contend with the ramifications of the gasoline price surge, the name of Finance Minister Jorge Quiroz emerges as being linked to some of the largest collusion scandals in the past decade. According to a report by Ciper Chile published on February 10, 2026 (authored by Benjamín Miranda and Diego Ortiz), Quiroz had an extensive background well before he assumed office in Kast’s government. The publication reviewed four cases from the Competition Defense Tribunal (TDLC)—involving poultry, pharmacies, asphalt, and shipping companies—and found 15 documented records showing his active role in defending companies ultimately found guilty of collusion.

«In three out of the four cases analyzed, his position directly contradicted the findings later established by the TDLC and the Supreme Court,» stated Ciper. Defending Colluding Companies: The Quiroz Model that Undermined Justice The most severe case highlighted by Ciper involves poultry, where Quiroz developed a sales projection model in 2008 for the Poultry Producers Association (APA), which was used by companies like Agrosuper, Ariztía, and Don Pollo to control the market. This industry model became known as the «Quiroz Model.

» In the pharmacy case, Quiroz served as a witness for Salcobrand in 2009, asserting before the TDLC that a review of 45,000 emails did not reveal any pricing agreement, despite the tribunal uncovering emails from December 2007 where Salcobrand’s commercial manager instructed to coordinate price increases. In the asphalt case, Quiroz contradicted the National Economic Prosecutor’s Office (FNE), claiming that there was no «collusive agreement,» a position that was opposed to the final ruling. Only in the case involving shipping companies was he able to reduce a fine from $12 million to $2.

5 million. This April 5, 2026, Piensa Prensa recalled these details on their X account, stating: «Who is the Finance Minister? CIPER reviewed materials in the collusion cases involving poultry, pharmacies, asphalt, and shipping companies.

15 records show Jorge Quiroz’s role in supporting these companies. » It is important to note that in response to Ciper’s report, Quiroz generically stated: «I have never been involved in or facilitated or designed any collusion or cartel scheme. » However, the report indicates that the judiciary rejected his claims in three out of four cases.