MEXICO CITY, Mexico—Some things are cheaper in Mexico compared to the U.S. but gasoline and diesel are clearly the exception.

Mexican drivers are paying an average premium of about 125% for regular and premium gasoline and an average premium of 122% for diesel compared to their American counterparts.

Chart Talk US v Mexico Petrol Price
(Source: PROFECO, AAA)

Mexican prices are steeper for a couple of reasons: higher import and logistic costs related to a deficit of domestically-produced gasoline as well as illicit fuel trade, according to state-owned Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex).


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Mexico’s average price of regular gas runs $5.02/gallon and for premium $5.48/gallon, according to data released Aug. 21 by Mexico’s consumer protection agency PROFECO. The average diesel price was $5.32/gallon.

Mexican states with the highest regular gasoline prices include Nuevo León ($5.67/gallon), Durango, Baja California Sur and Guerrero, according to PROFECO.


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In the U.S., the average price of a gallon of regular was $3.85 and for premium $4.61/gallon as of Aug. 22, according to the American Automobile Association Inc., or AAA, a federation of affiliated automobile clubs. The average U.S. diesel price was $4.35/gallon.

The U.S. states with the highest regular gasoline price are California ($5.26/gallon), Washington, Hawaii, Oregon and Alaska, according to AAA. That compares to an average price of $3.47/gallon in Texas and $3.41/gallon in Louisiana, where a number of U.S. refineries are located.