Cancún Gas Prices Soar Past Federal Limits

Cancún, Quintana Roo — The price per liter of Magna gasoline has surged in Cancún, with stations in Benito Juárez now charging between 24.54 and 24.89 pesos, according to a recent survey conducted by local media. The increase marks a sharp rise from last week’s price of 23.93 pesos per liter, further straining consumers already grappling with escalating fuel costs.

Federal Oversight Highlights Discrepancies

Iván Escalante, Director General of Mexico’s Federal Consumer Protection Agency (Profeco), reported during a weekly briefing that the highest price for Magna gasoline in the southeast was recorded at the Fullgas station in Cancún, where fuel sold for 24.08 pesos per liter, yielding a profit margin of 2.30 pesos. However, an on-site inspection revealed the price had climbed to 24.62 pesos.

Nationally, the average price for Magna gasoline stands at 23.55 pesos per liter. The lowest price was documented in Pachuca de Soto, Hidalgo, at 23.19 pesos, while the highest reached 24.99 pesos in Saltillo, Coahuila. Escalante noted that Oxxogas was the only brand exceeding the permitted average price in some regions, though most stations elsewhere remained below 24 pesos—a standard unmet in Cancún.

Consumer Frustration Mounts

Employees at multiple Cancún gas stations acknowledged customer dissatisfaction. “People are surprised that prices jumped above 24 pesos overnight. They even joke about it being like Mother’s Day, but we don’t set the prices,” said Miguel, an attendant at the Fullgas station located at the intersection of José López Portillo and Nichupté avenues.

Global Factors Blamed for Spike

The price surge coincides with volatility in global oil markets following a U.S. attack on Iranian nuclear facilities. Brent crude futures rose 1.01% to $77.79 per barrel, contributing to a weekly gain of nearly 4%. Analysts warn that further supply disruptions could exacerbate the trend.

Persistent Noncompliance in Cancún

This is not the first time Cancún gas stations have flouted federal pricing guidelines. Earlier reports indicated over 90% of stations failed to adhere to the mandated ceiling of 24 pesos per liter. Despite Profeco’s efforts to curb excessive pricing, enforcement remains inconsistent, leaving consumers to bear the brunt of unchecked increases.