Ameer Randolph
If you're planning to drive a diesel-powered vehicle in Mexico, you may be wondering about the availability and quality of diesel fuel. As of 2024, Mexico has not fully transitioned to Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD), and most gas stations do not provide information about the sulfur content of their fuel. However, it's important to note that the availability of ULSD in Mexico has been improving. While you may not encounter ULSD at Pemex pumps, it is more likely to be found at international stations such as Chevron, Gulf, and Arco. Additionally, certain regions in Mexico, such as Monterrey, Guadalajara, and Mexico City, have ULSD available at some gas stations. It's also worth mentioning that diesel fuel in Mexico is sold by the liter, not by the gallon.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diesel in Mexico | Mostly Ultra Low Sulfur (ULSD) |
| Gas Stations in Mexico | Pemex, Mobil, Repsol, BP, Chevron, Arco, Gulf, Exxon, G500, etc. |
| Payment Methods | Cash, Credit Card |
| Fuel Measurement | In liters |
| Diesel Fuel Sulfur Level | 15 ppm maximum for metropolitan areas, the Mexico-US border, and 11 transportation corridors; 500 ppm maximum for the rest of the country |
| Diesel Fuel Sulfur Level Timeline | Nationwide ULSD deadline of 15 ppm by 2009 was not met; new deadline of 2025/2026 |
| Diesel Fuel for Marine and Agricultural Applications | Coloured with purple dye, with a maximum sulfur limit of 5,000 ppm |
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What You'll Learn
Ultra-low sulfur diesel in Mexico
In 2022, ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) was available in Mexico, although it was not sold at all gas stations. Most diesel fuel in Mexico is imported from the US and is ULSD. However, Mexico has not fully transitioned to ULSD, and it is not easy to find out whether a gas station sells ULSD before arriving, as most pumps and websites do not provide this information.
In 2018, Pemex promised that ULSD would be sold at all stations by the end of the year, but they did not meet this goal. As of 2022, Pemex stations in Mexico City and central Mexico were observed to be selling ULSD, identifiable by a "U in a circle" symbol on the pump. However, the pylon signs at these stations did not always advertise that they sold ULSD.
Some sources recommend Mobil gas stations as the most reliable source of ULSD in Mexico, with all Mobil stations visited by one source observed to be selling ULSD. However, Mobil stations are mostly found in urban areas, so those travelling in rural regions may need to look elsewhere. Other gas station chains that have been observed to sell ULSD include Valero, Repsol, BP, AMERIGAS, TARGO, and ARCO. Foreign stations in Mexico import most of their fuel from the US, so you are likely to find ULSD at stations such as Chevron, Gulf, Arco, and G500.
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Diesel fuel availability
As of 2024, Mexico has still not fully transitioned to Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD). Most gas stations and pumps give no information about the sulfur content. However, the websites of major gas stations also don't provide this information. In Mexico, ULSD is known as Ultra Bajo Azufre Diésel, UBA Diésel, or Diésel de Ultra Bajo Azufre (DUBA).
In 2022, most diesel in Mexico was imported from the USA and was ultra-low sulfur diesel. You could find UBA diesel at highway stations, although it was not available everywhere. You were more likely to find it at international stations (Chevron, Gulf, Exxon, G500, etc.) than at Pemex, although Pemex did also sell it.
In 2018, Pemex promised that ULSD would be sold everywhere by 2019, but this did not happen. However, some returning RV’ers found ULSD generally in ARCO stations and occasionally at other international brand stations.
In 2016, the limit of application for emergency standards in Mexico was extended for an additional six months. NOM-016 replaced that standard with a permanent standard, which applied to petroleum-based fuels for use by on-road and off-road vehicles, as well as jet fuel, industrial fuels, and liquid petroleum gas. The diesel sulfur limit was set at 15 ppm for all imports and sales in the border region, three major metropolitan areas, and 11 specified corridors. Diesel produced within the country and sold outside of the specified regions could comply with a 500-ppm limit until December 31, 2018, after which the maximum sulfur content was to be 15-ppm for all diesel sold within the country.
The most common gas station in Mexico is Pemex, the nationalized brand. Repsol, BP, and Chevron are also common. The pumps are run by attendants, and you don't need to leave your vehicle. Pull up and tell them the fuel type and how much in pesos or ask to fill it all the way (lleno).
In the middle of the Baja Peninsula, there are two Pemex gas stations in Bahia de Los Angeles, but they did not have any diesel for days. There are also Repsol gas stations from as far north as Bahía Asunción all the way south to Cabo San Lucas. The name of the product is “Repsol Diesel e+ con Neotech”. However, the author could not find information about the sulfur content.
Every now and then, you will also need AdBlue/DEF. The most reliable source is AutoZone, which is spread throughout Mexico. At AutoZone, you can find the US brand Blue DEF, which is ISO 22241–1 certified.
If you have a modern diesel and plan to travel to Mexico, stick with Mobil gas stations, which always sell ULSD.
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Gas station options
The most common gas station in Mexico is Pemex, the nationalized brand with green signage. However, you will encounter other stations, including Repsol, BP, and Chevron.
If you are looking for Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD), you are more likely to find it at international stations such as Chevron, Gulf, Arco, G500, and Mobil, than at Pemex, although it is available at some Pemex stations.
In the middle of the Baja Peninsula, there are two Pemex stations in Bahia de Los Angeles, and other Pemex stations in Baja California Sur. However, these stations did not have any diesel for days, and none of them offered ULSD. In this region, the most reliable source of ULSD is Repsol, from Bahía Asunción to Cabo San Lucas.
In Mexico, ULSD is also known as Ultra Bajo Azufre Diésel, UBA Diésel, or Diésel de Ultra Bajo Azufre (DUBA). However, you will rarely find attendants who can provide useful information about the sulfur content.
If you need AdBlue/DEF, you can find it at AutoZone, which is spread throughout Mexico.
It is important to note that Mexico uses liters instead of gallons, so you may need to calculate to understand the price relative to gallons. The pumps are run by attendants, and you don't need to leave your vehicle. Simply pull up and tell them the fuel type and amount in pesos, or ask to fill it all the way ("lleno"). If you pay by credit card, they will run your card through a machine and have you sign the receipt. Make sure your copy matches theirs and the pump's reading.
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Fuel quality
The fuel quality in Mexico has been a concern for many travellers with diesel engines. The availability of Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) has been improving daily in Mexico, but it is still not widely available. In 2018, Pemex promised that ULSD would be sold everywhere by 2019, but this did not happen. In 2022, most diesel in Mexico was imported from the USA and was ULSD. However, as of 2024, Mexico has still not fully transitioned to ULSD, and this step has been postponed multiple times.
The national oil company Petróleos Mexicanos (PEMEX) is the exclusive distributor of motor vehicle fuels in Mexico. PEMEX has upgraded half of the stations in Mexico City and 200 stations in central Mexico. However, it is difficult to find information about the sulfur content of the diesel fuel at PEMEX stations. Many independent stations have websites with good information on them. Foreign stations, such as Chevron, Gulf, and Arco, import most of their fuel from the USA, so you are likely to find ULSD at these stations.
In terms of fuel regulations, the Regulatory Law on the Petroleum Sector, which came into effect in 2008, gave the authority to regulate fuel quality to the Secretary of Energy (SENER), with support from the Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT). This law set a timeline for sulfur reduction in gasoline and diesel fuel sold in Mexico, requiring diesel to meet 15 ppm maximum sulfur limits by 2009. However, this deadline was not met, and diesel with sulfur content above 15 ppm continued to be sold in parts of Mexico.
The regulation specifies different sulfur content limits for different regions of the country. The northern frontier region that borders the USA, the metropolitan regions of Guadalajara, Monterrey, and the Valle de México, and the Mexico-US border and 11 transportation corridors are required to meet a 15 ppm maximum sulfur limit. The rest of the country is allowed to have a maximum sulfur content of 500 ppm until December 31, 2018, after which the maximum sulfur content was to be 15 ppm for all of Mexico. However, this date has been delayed several times, and as of 2023, the deadline for PEMEX to comply with the nationwide ULSD requirement has been extended to January 2026.
Mexico is working towards the ratification of the IMO MARPOL Annex VI agreement, which establishes more stringent provisions for air quality protection. If implemented, intermediate fuel oil (IFO) used within designated Emission Control Areas (ECAs) should not exceed 0.1% sulfur. However, fuel of that quality will not necessarily be sold within Mexico.
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Payment methods
Gasoline stations in Mexico accept payment in cash and by payment cards. It is recommended to carry some cash when on long road trips in case the gas station does not accept cards or their card payment system is not working.
If you pay by card, do not let the attendant take your card away. They should bring a portable card payment machine to you where you will enter your PIN or sign a piece of paper. Most POS machines support contactless payment, but this option is often misunderstood. It is also recommended to use a credit card instead of a debit card as it is harder to get your money back from a debit card if your account is compromised by a 'card skimmer'.
If you pay in cash, be aware of a common scam where the attendant hands out one or more MX $500 bills, goes away and then returns saying you gave them a MX $500 and an MX $50 or two MX $50s.
Attendants at gasoline stations should be tipped, commensurate with the amount of work they do for you. 3-5% of the cost of your fuel is normal, and 5-10% for additional services like checking the oil, replacing windshield wipers, etc.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, diesel engines will run on diesel fuel in Mexico. However, it is important to note that Mexico has not fully transitioned to Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD). Most gas stations do not provide information on the sulfur content, and it may be challenging to find ULSD at certain pumps.
Sulfur content in diesel fuel can cause issues for certain vehicles, particularly those that utilize Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF). Sulfur compounds can temporarily deposit in the emissions systems, and newer diesel engines may experience increased soot build-up and require more regenerations.
ULSD is typically found at international stations such as Chevron, Gulf, Arco, G500, and Exxon. It is also available at some Pemex stations, particularly in the Northern Baja region. As of 2022, most diesel fuel in Mexico is imported from the USA and is ULSD.
Yes, AutoZone, which is spread throughout Mexico, carries the US brand Blue DEF, which is ISO 22241-1 certified.
