Mexico’s Consumer Protection Agency Begins Posting Warning Signs at Gas Stations with High Prices

Amecameca, State of Mexico — Mexico’s Federal Consumer Protection Agency (Profeco) has begun placing warning signs at gas stations charging above-agreed prices for fuel, following an announcement by President Claudia Sheinbaum as part of her administration’s efforts to curb excessive fuel costs.

The first such sign was installed at a service station in Amecameca, State of Mexico, bearing the message: “Do not fill up here. They are overcharging on prices.” The white banner features maroon and black text, colors associated with the ruling Morena party, along with a bright red “X.” It was placed directly on the structure housing the price display visible to consumers and includes the logos of the Economy Secretariat and Profeco.

Profeco head César Iván Escalante Ruiz shared a video of the installation on his X account, noting that this station, operated by Spanish firm Repsol, is selling diesel at 31.49 pesos per liter. The federal government and fuel retailers have an agreement to keep prices as close as possible to 28 pesos per liter.

“The Mexican state is making an immense effort to stabilize fuel prices, in this case diesel,” Escalante Ruiz said. “The Finance Secretariat is doing its part, the Energy Secretariat, Pemex, and us, so that businesses sell diesel at 31.49 pesos per liter?” he criticized.

A joint statement from the Economy Secretariat and Profeco reported that on Tuesday, officials visited 15 gas stations simultaneously and placed warning signs at ten of them for having high prices. The action follows instructions given by President Sheinbaum on Monday and is part of the National Strategy to Promote Gasoline Price Stabilization.

Escalante Ruiz stated that these measures will continue to alert consumers about service stations selling fuel at excessive prices, to the detriment of customers. “The message is very clear to consumers: where you see this banner, do not buy gasoline. Surely nearby you will find a station with fair prices,” he advised.

He added that consumers can also consult Profeco’s online map to locate service stations offering both gasoline and diesel at “fair prices.”

Oil prices, and consequently gasoline and diesel costs, have risen by up to 50% since the United States and Israel launched an attack against Iran on February 28. In response, Iran blocked passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global crude trade, which handles about 20% of worldwide consumption.