Katerina Swanson
Mexico has diesel fuel, which has historically been distributed by Petróleos Mexicanos (PEMEX), the state-owned oil company. In 2008, the Regulatory Law on the Petroleum Sector gave authority over the petroleum sector to the Secretary of Energy (SENER), supported by SEMARNAT. While Mexico has diesel fuel, it has not yet fully transitioned to Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD), and Mexican diesel has been reported to contain the highest sulfur content in the world. The availability of ULSD in Mexico varies, with some PEMEX stations offering it, but not all. The most reliable source of ULSD in mainland Mexico has been Mobil, with Repsol being the most reliable source in Baja California Sur.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diesel availability in Mexico | Diesel is available in Mexico, but the availability of Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) is limited |
| Gas stations | PEMEX (Petróleos Mexicanos) is the state-owned oil company and distributor of motor vehicle fuels in Mexico. Mobil and Repsol are also mentioned as gas station options |
| Sulfur content | Mexican diesel has historically had high sulfur content, with a previous limit of 5000 ppm. Regulations have reduced this limit to 15 ppm for imported diesel and diesel sold in certain regions, but the transition to ULSD has been postponed multiple times |
| Fuel quality | The actual fuel quality in Mexico often exceeds equivalent limits in the US due to desulfurization processes |
| Fuel regulations | Mexico has implemented fuel regulations to reduce sulfur content and improve air quality, such as the Regulatory Law on the Petroleum Sector and NOM-086 |
| Rip-offs | Tourists should be cautious of rip-offs at gas stations, such as incorrect change or fuel pumps not set to $0.00 |
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What You'll Learn
Diesel fuel regulations in Mexico
Mexico has been working towards reducing the sulfur content in diesel fuel. In 2008, the Regulatory Law on the Petroleum Sector (Ley Reglamentaria del Artículo 27 Constitucional en el Ramo del Petróleo) transferred the authority to regulate fuel quality from the Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) to the Secretary of Energy (SENER). SEMARNAT continues to provide support to SENER.
The regulation NOM-086, published on January 30, 2006, set a timeline for sulfur reduction in diesel fuel sold in Mexico. It defined two grades of diesel fuel: automotive diesel (PEMEX) for on-road vehicles, and marine and agricultural diesel. The low-sulfur automotive diesel grade replaced the earlier standard diesel of 5000 ppm (0.5%) sulfur. NOM-086 set the maximum sulfur level at 500 ppm, followed by a phased reduction to 15 ppm. The deadline for this reduction was February 2009 for northern frontier regions bordering the USA, and September 2009 nationwide. However, the nationwide deadline was not met, and diesel with sulfur content above 15 ppm continued to be sold in parts of Mexico.
The regulation specified different sulfur content limits for automotive diesel fuels: 15 ppm maximum for larger metropolitan areas, the Mexico-US border, and 11 transportation corridors, as well as for imported diesel; and 500 ppm maximum for the rest of the country. Diesel produced and sold within the country outside of the specified regions was allowed to comply with the 500 ppm limit until December 31, 2018, after which the maximum sulfur content was to be 15 ppm for all of Mexico. This date was delayed multiple times due to difficulties in supplying 15 ppm diesel fuel nationwide.
The new rule, requiring ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) to be sold, has faced challenges due to a lack of infrastructure and fuel shortages. As of 2024, Mexico has not fully transitioned to ULSD. However, some sources state that all ULSD in Mexico must comply with the norm NOM-016-CRE, which limits sulfur content to 15 mg/kg (similar to 15 ppm).
Mexico is also working towards ratifying the IMO MARPOL Annex VI agreement, which establishes stringent provisions for air quality protection. The country plans to seek Emission Control Area (ECA) designation under MARPOL Annex VI, which requires more stringent regulations for fuel sulfur content and NOx emissions compared to International Maritime Organization (IMO) standards.
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Pemex diesel stations
Pemex (a portmanteau of Petróleos Mexicanos, or Mexican Petroleum in English) is the Mexican state-owned petroleum corporation. It was formed in 1938 by nationalising and expropriating all private oil companies in Mexico.
As of 2009, Pemex was Latin America's second-largest enterprise by annual revenue. It is the exclusive distributor of motor vehicle fuels in Mexico.
Pemex has a number of gas stations across Mexico. However, not all Pemex stations sell diesel fuel. Some travellers have reported that they have had to deviate from their route to find diesel fuel at a Pemex station.
Some but not all Pemex stations also have Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD). This is not always advertised on the price sign. If you see a U in a circle on the pump, this indicates that the diesel is ULSD.
As of 2024, Mexico has still not fully transitioned to ULSD. Mexican diesel contains the highest sulfur content in the world, which can damage the systems of newer diesel vehicles.
If you are driving a diesel vehicle in Mexico, your best bet is to ask the attendant when you pull in if the diesel is Ultra Low Azufre (ULSD). If they don’t have it, they will know where you can find it.
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Sulphur content in diesel
Mexico has diesel fuel, but it contains the highest sulphur content in the world. This is a concern for travellers with modern diesel engines, as the high sulphur content can damage the engine and void any warranties.
In 2008, the Regulatory Law on the Petroleum Sector gave the Secretary of Energy the authority to regulate the petroleum sector, with support from SEMARNAT. This resulted in a timeline for sulphur reduction in gasoline and diesel fuel sold in Mexico. The national oil company Petróleos Mexicanos (PEMEX) achieved the requirements for premium fuel nationwide and for all fuel sold within the border region with the US, but never achieved full compliance.
In 2016, an emergency standard was implemented, which applied to petroleum-based fuels for on-road and off-road vehicles, jet fuel, industrial fuels, and liquid petroleum gas. This standard set an annual average of 30 ppm sulphur for gasoline and 15 ppm for diesel in the border region, three major metropolitan areas, and 11 specified corridors. Diesel produced and sold outside of these regions could comply with a 500-ppm limit until December 31, 2018, after which all diesel sold within the country had to meet the 15-ppm sulphur limit.
Despite these regulations, as of 2024, Mexico has still not fully transitioned to Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD). The availability of ULSD in Mexico varies, with some travellers relying on Pemex or resellers like VPFuels without issues, while others claim that Mobil is the most reliable source of ULSD in mainland Mexico. However, it is important to note that gas stations in Mexico rarely provide information about the sulphur content of their diesel fuel, and travellers may need to drive in and look at the pump for indicators of ULSD.
Mexico is working towards the ratification of the IMO MARPOL Annex VI agreement, which would establish more stringent provisions for air quality protection. This includes seeking Emission Control Area (ECA) designation, which would require even stricter regulations for fuel sulphur content and NOx emissions.
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Ultra-low sulphur diesel availability
As of 2024, Mexico has not fully transitioned to Ultra-Low Sulphur Diesel (ULSD). The availability of ULSD in Mexico has been a concern for travellers with modern diesel engines.
In 2022, most diesel in Mexico was imported from the USA and was ULSD. However, it is not easy to find ULSD at all gas stations in the country. Travellers have reported that the most reliable source of ULSD in mainland Mexico is Mobil. All Mobil gas stations visited by travellers clearly advertised whether they had UBA Diesel (ULSD) on their pylon signs and at the pump. Some travellers have also reported finding ULSD at some Pemex gas stations, although this is not always advertised on the pylon sign. Pemex is the exclusive distributor of motor vehicle fuels in Mexico. However, it is important to note that Pemex has not achieved full compliance with the NOM-086 standard, which sets a maximum sulfur limit of 15 ppm for diesel fuel.
Another gas station chain that offers ULSD in Mexico is Valero. According to their website, all their diesel is ultra-low sulfur. Repsol, which is supplied by Pemex, is also a reliable source of ULSD and has gas stations throughout Mexico. Other gas stations that may carry ULSD include BP, AMERIGAS, TARGO, and ARCO.
In Mexico, ULSD is also known as Ultra Bajo Azufre Diésel, UBA Diésel, or Diésel de Ultra Bajo Azufre (DUBA). It is important to note that gas stations in Mexico do not always provide information about the sulfur content of their diesel fuel. Additionally, Google Maps may not be reliable in finding specific gas station brands.
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Diesel quality
Mexico has diesel fuel, but it is important to note that the country has not fully transitioned to Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD). While some sources claim that Mexican diesel contains the highest sulfur content globally, others state that the actual fuel quality has exceeded equivalent limits in the US.
The quality of diesel in Mexico has been a concern for travellers with modern diesel engines. As of 2024, Mexico has not fully transitioned to ULSD, and this step has been postponed multiple times. However, it is possible to find ULSD in Mexico, especially in certain regions and at specific gas stations.
Sulfur Content in Diesel
The sulfur content in diesel fuel is an important factor affecting its quality. In Mexico, the maximum sulfur limit for diesel fuel has been a subject of regulation, with efforts to reduce sulfur content over time. The Regulatory Law on the Petroleum Sector gave the Secretary of Energy (SENER) the authority to regulate fuel quality, with support from the Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT).
Regulations and Standards
The NOM-086 standard set a maximum automotive diesel fuel sulfur level at 500 ppm, with a phased reduction to 15 ppm. This reduction was implemented in different regions over time, with a nationwide deadline of February 2009. However, this deadline was not met, and diesel with sulfur content above 15 ppm continued to be sold in parts of Mexico.
Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD)
While ULSD is available in Mexico, it is not widely advertised at gas stations. Mobil has been identified as a reliable source of ULSD in Mainland Mexico, clearly advertising it on their pylon signs. Some Pemex gas stations also offer ULSD, but it is not always advertised. Repsol, another gas station brand in Mexico, offers diesel fuel but does not provide information about its sulfur content.
Cetane Ratings and Other Specifications
In Mexico, the cetane rating for diesel fuel is consistently 45. Additionally, diesel fuel for marine and agricultural applications is coloured purple and has an upper sulfur limit of 5000 ppm. Mexico is also working towards ratifying the IMO MARPOL Annex VI agreement, which includes more stringent provisions for air quality protection and fuel sulfur content regulations.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Mexico has diesel fuel.
Mexican diesel fuel has been reported to have the highest sulfur content in the world. However, Mexico has been working towards reducing sulfur content in diesel fuel.
Diesel fuel can be found at gas stations in Mexico, particularly in remote areas and along highways. However, it is recommended to ask attendants about the availability of ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) as it may not be available at all stations.
Yes, it is important to be cautious of potential 'rip-off' ploys at some gas stations. Ensure that the fuel pump is set to $0.00 before fuelling and pay attention to the correct change you should receive.
Historically, diesel fuel in Mexico has been distributed by PEMEX (Petróleos Mexicanos), the state-owned oil company. However, following energy reforms, independent companies have also been granted permits to import, transport, and distribute diesel fuel.
