Driving through Mexico? Learn about Mexican Fuels

Mexico's petroleum industry is wholly government owned. Petroleos Mexicanos (PEMEX for short) manufactures, distributes and sells gasoline, in a state-owned monopoly. PEMEX gasoline stations are common. They are franchise operations, with the franchisee providing the land, the electricity and the manpower to operate the station. All gas stations in Mexico are full service, and you're not permitted to pump your own. Also, if the attendant gives you extra attention (cleaning your windows, for example), you are expected to tip him. In the Lake Chapala area, most of us get used to using the same station and attendant all the time, so I think most of the people in the area tip the attendant. However, as I said, it's usually not necessary unless they perform an additional service besides pumping your gas.

And, just as a point of history, in 1938 Pres. Lazaro Cardenas nationalized 17 foreign oil companies to create Pemex, the largest Latin American petroleum company and a major world exporter of fossil fuel. Pemex engages in exploration, production, refining, transportation, storage, distribution, and sales of oil and natural gas.

There are two main grades of gasoline sold in Mexico:

MAGNA
This mid-grade fuel is sold from a bright Green pump, and is Mexico's most popular unleaded gasoline. (Regular Unleaded 87 octane). Most vehicles will run acceptably on "Magna" (as it's popularly called in Mexico). However, some very heavily laden motor homes and tow vehicles can find themselves in a position where Magna Sin is just "border-line" in preventing knocking and pinging. These vehicles will have to have their ignition timing adjusted to prevent engine damage.

PREMIUM
Mexico's high-grade gasoline, is sold from a bright Red pump. Premium seems to have an octane rating that is higher than US regular, unleaded gasoline...92 octane) The superiority in octane and performance over Magna Sin, makes filling your tank with this fuel a wise choice.
Be prepared to pay for your fuel with cash. Although some Pemex stations close to the US border may accept US dollars, you should expect to pay for your fuel with Mexican currency, not a credit card.

Although the gasoline quality has improved dramatically over the years, it is probably a good idea to bring along a spare fuel filter for your vehicle just in case there is any debris in the fuel that could clog your existing filter. (A fuel filter is usually less than $15 at an auto parts store in the US). I haven't heard of any problems, but better safe than sorry.

There are plenty of Pemex stations, especially on the Cuotas (toll roads). However, don't try to gain that extra mile. If you drop below your one-half tank notch and see a station, top it off!

Gasoline is measured in liters in Mexico, so make sure to remember your gallons to liters conversion: 1 gallon = 3.3785 liters. Or, for the Quick Conversion, remember:

Liters to U.S. gallons / gallons to liters
QUICK: Roughly 4 liters to a gallon, or 4 cups to a liter.
Actual: 1 Liter = 0.2642 Gallon
EXAMPLE: 8 liters (Q method: 8/4=2 gallons); (Actual: 1.8497 gallons)
EXAMPLE: 14 gallons (Q method: 14x4=56); (Actual: 52.980 liters)