The National Oil Refinery (RECOPE) reported on Thursday that oil consumption in Costa Rica during November dropped 13 percent compared with the same month last year.

RECOPE recorded consumption of 1,279,838 barrels last month – a drop from the 1,474,411 barrels in November 2007.

The fuel used for large ships marked the biggest decrease last month, dropping 82 percent below that registered in November last year.

Regular gasoline sales in November dipped 7.66 percent, selling 23,930 fewer barrels.

Costa Ricans also pumped 9.39 percent less diesel last month.

Bunker fuel, used by ships, sank 31.4 percent.