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Gasoline prices in the Rio Grande Valley and the United States are going up but they’re staying the same south of the border.

For the first time in two years, gas prices are cheaper in Mexico than those in the Valley.

A survey of Valley gas stations by gasbuddy.com shows prices for regular unleaded ranging from $2.74 to $2.90 per gallon.

Gas stations south of the border in Matamoros and Reynosa are selling regular unleaded for $2.68 per gallon.

Gas Prices

The average price for premium unleaded gasoline is almost even but diesel fuel is almost 28 cents per gallon cheaper in Mexico:

Regular Unleaded
$2.83 / gallon in Valley
$2.68 / gallon in Mexico

Premium Unleaded
$3.10 / gallon in Valley
$3.11 / gallon in Mexico

Diesel
$3.00 / gallon in Valley
$2.72 / gallon in Mexico

Gasoline prices in the United States are subject to the market forces and the law of supply and demand.

Border Crossing

Although prices are cheaper, there are a number of personal safety and other factors to take into consideration when buying gas in Mexico.

Those crossing the border to buy gas, can only buy gas for non-commercial use in their personal vehicle.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has the authority to seize fuel storied inside extra tanks.

Numerous seizures were reported two years ago when American gas prices went over $3 dollars per gallon.

Border crossing fees vary from $2 to $2.75 each way but wait times average one to three hours at the Valley’s 12 international bridges.

All Mexican gas stations are full service, so a paying a tip might increase the cost.

Mexican Gas

In Mexico, gas prices are controlled by the state-run oil company PEMEX and remain the same at all gas stations.

Gasoline in Mexico is sold in pesos per liter.  The price is currently at:

Regular Unleaded (Magna)
8.76 pesos per liter

Premium Unleaded (Premio)
10.10 pesos per liter

Diesel
8.85 pesos per liter

There’s some math involved to convert it to dollars per gallon:

8.76 pesos     x      3.785 liters    x          $1 dollar            =        $2.68 dollars
---------------         ----------------           --------------------            --------------------
1 liter                       1 gallon                12.35 pesos                     gallon

The Mexican government has created an on-line list of federal inspection results for every gas station in Mexico.

The PROFECO website includes a searchable database by state and city