Cancún, Quintana Roo — Fuel price increases in Quintana Roo are threatening the viability of the state’s nautical tourism sector, industry leaders warned, as the region now has the most expensive gasoline in Mexico.
The Association of Nautical Operators of Quintana Roo (ANQR) said that the rising cost of gasoline and diesel is forcing companies to consider raising rates for visitors, undermining the competitiveness of the Mexican Caribbean.
“If the government doesn’t get its act together, it will be a disaster, because it means increased costs and expenses for the nautical sector and also affects tourism,” said Francisco Fernández Millar, president of ANQR.
Fuel represents about 25% of operating costs for recreational and nautical companies, Fernández Millar noted. He said his own company spends up to 400,000 pesos (about $21,000) daily on fuel, and that he is just one of 100 similar businesses in Cancún.
Highest Fuel Prices in Mexico
According to data from July 29, 2026, Quintana Roo once again has the highest average fuel costs nationwide:
- Magna gasoline: 25.13 to 25.15 pesos per liter (highest in Mexico)
- Premium gasoline: 28.48 to 28.49 pesos per liter
- Diesel: average 28.26 pesos per liter, exceeding the federal agreement of 27 pesos per liter
Between January and July 2026, Magna gasoline rose from 24.30 to over 25.15 pesos per liter (an increase of 85 centavos); Premium rose from 27.70 to 28.49 pesos; and diesel rose from 27.40 to 28.26 pesos per liter.
Operational Costs Squeeze Nautical Businesses
Smaller vessels use Magna and Premium gasoline, while larger boats and generators run on diesel. The nautical sector is a key economic driver in Quintana Roo, offering daily tours, island transfers, diving, snorkeling, and sport fishing. If the upward trend continues, companies will have to pass the higher costs to tourists, potentially deterring visitors compared to other Caribbean destinations.
