Phasing out fossil fuel subsidies is a politically sensitive yet urgent climate challenge. In Colombia, these subsidies create a significant fiscal burden and hinder the transition to cleaner energy sources. The Colombian government has initiated the removal of subsidies for gasoline and diesel, which could lead to public unrest and a reversal of these reforms.
The study examines whether public support increases when fuel pricing reforms are accompanied by complementary policies such as cash transfers, tax reductions, or investments in green initiatives; and whether support can be further enhanced through tailored information treatments. We conducted a nationally representative survey experiment with over 4,000 Colombians to explore public perceptions of fuel subsidy reform. The experimental treatments examine four key factors that make fuel price increases politically difficult: self-interest, distributional concerns, efficient use of government resources, and environmental concerns. The study aims to shed light on what factors influence support, the role of complementary measures, and strategic communication in building social legitimacy, particularly in polarized contexts. The results of the study will be released in 2025.
