Mexico Gas Prices Update!

March 14, 2012

If you are planning that Spring Break road trip and wondering if gas prices in Mexico look anything like gas prices in the U.S., rest assured, prices are much more economical. In the past few weeks, with a jump in prices in the U.S. and especially California, once again gas prices in Mexico are attracting attention.

Mexico prices are an average of $1.25 per gallon savings off of California prices.

$4.35 - Average California gas price
$3.87 - Average Arizona gas price

As of March 14, 2012, Pemex in Tijuana posted the following prices:

$10.00 pesos a liter for Magna (green)
$10.74 pesos a liter for Premium (red)
$10.09 pesos a liter for Diesel

Peso/Dollar: $12.20 pesos/$1 U.S. dollar
(Average price seen around Tijuana at gas stations and exchange houses - casas de cambio.)

U.S. Dollar Conversion

$3.10 a gallon Magna (green) - ($10.00 pesos x 3.785) / $12.20 pesos
$3.33 a gallon Premium (red) - ($10.74 pesos x 3.785) / $12.20 pesos
$3.13 a gallon Diesel - ($10.09 pesos x 3.785) / $12.20 pesos

Canadian exchange rate is very similar to the U.S. dollar exchange rate, so prices will be very close to the above posted prices.

For an average SUV with a 22 gallon tank, we find...

• U.S. price: $95.70 dollars (using the California average of $4.25)
• Mexico price: $68.20 dollars filling up with Magna (green)

TOTAL SAVINGS: $27.50 U.S. dollars

Tips for Exchanging Dollars for Pesos

• Shop around to find the best exchange rate.
• The higher the exchange rate the better...you want to have more pesos!
• The posted rate to buy pesos will say "Compra."
• Sometimes the Pemex station itself has a competitive exchange rate.

Gas Buying Tips

• Be sure to watch as the gas attendant resets the pump to all zeros.
• Calculate the price in dollars yourself just to double check that the attendant is correct.
• One gallon = 3.785 liters.
• Tip your attendant for filling your tank and washing your windows.
• Keep a record of what you paid for future reference.