Gasoline Stations in Mexico

Gasoline/Pemex:

            The only gas stations in all of Mexico are called Pemex, which is a short name for "Petroleos Mexicanos". Pemex stations are privately owned but obligated to buy fuel from the Mexican government, many have convenience stores attached to them and for Mexico they have clean rest rooms. Their signs are large green and white and easy to spot, most have official highway signs giving advance notice of upcoming stations at 1,500 and 500 meters.  

Yes, there's a sign in the picture, look closer damn it!!!

 Their rest rooms are not always free and will have an attendant outside charging 5 pesos to enter who will hand you a skimpy allotment of paper when you enter (ask for more), if you come across a station with no attendant you might want to bring your own paper or get caught with your pants down!!! Currently gas in Mexico is actually more than in the States, for magna (regular) it is about 11.2 pesos per liter so at the current exchange rate and conversion ratio 3.75 liters to the gallons that equates to about $3.50 per gallon whereas in the States it is running about $3.35 per gallon. It is not a lot of difference but for those of you thinking gas was half price, guess you will have to rethink that one. Many stations do not take credit cards so be prepared to pay cash and normally in pesos only. All Pemex stations have attendants, do not attempt to pump your own gas, they will do it for you, more often than not they will clean your windshield, check your oil and tire pressure, tips are gladly accepted and expected, for pumping gas 5 pesos is average and for the works 10 pesos is sufficient. Be very aware of what attendants are doing and never leave the car unattended, if you are alone and want to get something from the store or use the restroom get your gas first, pay and tip the attendant then drive the 100’ feet to the store and lock your car, if travelling with others it is OK to leave the car at the pump if not busy and always leave one person with the car. A few shady attendants can give the entire industry a bad rap, if you don’t know the people you are dealing with it is better to kick ass now and take names later as we use to say in my Viet Nam days.

            If you are going to be doing a lot of driving in Mexico, before you enter the country learn where your fuel filter is and carry a spare, the gas in Mexico is not the worst in the world but not the best either, diesel fuel is worse than the gas and often has algae, from what I understand you can buy additives to eradicate the algae. Changing a fuel filter is relatively simple and can be done with basic simple tools, having a mechanic do it for you should cost about 200 pesos ($18.00) providing you have the filter and can be done while you wait.

            BE VERY CAREFUL of shady attendants who will try to sell you every item in their rack and convince you your life is in danger if you don’t buy them i.e. brake fluid, oil, power steering fluid, washer fluid, transmission fluid and fuel additives, kind of ironic, in reality what they are saying is, we are going to sell you shitty gas but for a few bucks more you can buy this to clean it up.