Driving Diesel to Mexico
City in Mexico
Thinking of driving diesel to Mexico? If you have a new diesel …one of those gorgeous beasts that push out 480 horsepower and get 24 mpg…do you want to take it to Mexico? I know it’s tempting…the comfort and control, maybe camping in an Airstream along the coast or near the Lake of Chapala? But did you know that Mexican diesel contains the highest sulfur content in the world? When you put that into a new diesel, it can seriously damage your system and most definitely void any warranty. Don’t drive your new diesel to Mexico before knowing reading further…
In 2022, you can find ultra-low sulfur diesel in Mexico. For 2022, most diesel is imported from the USA and is ultra-low sulfur diesel. You’ll find UBA diesel (Ultra Baja Azufre) at highway stations. Approach humbly, chanting and coughing with your Kashkul (beggar’s bowl) as empty as your tank. UBA is not everywhere, but it’s much easier to find than last year. You are more likely to find it at international stations (Chevron, Gulf, Exxon, G500, etc.) than at Pemex, though you will find it at Pemex stations too.
So today, you can drive your diesel rig in Mexico. The good news is that the availability of ULSD (Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel) is improving daily. Fill up at every opportunity. You will have a hard time finding DEF, so bring plenty. Autozone carries it.
Google Is Your Newer Diesel in Mexico Buddy
I contacted PEMEX, and they PROMISED to have Ultra Low Sulfur in all stations by the end of 2018. Then in 2018, Pemex promised that USLD would be sold everywhere by 2019. They were overly optimistic. Returning RV’ers told me said they found ULSD generally in ARCO stations and occasionally other international brand stations. To find them search Google God for gasolinera ARCO (or other Gulf, Chevron, G500, Texaco, Valero, or another brand). Some results will be wacky and not gas stations at all since ARCO is Spanish for arch and is used a lot. But many independent stations have websites with good information on them.
According to Pemex
Mexico still doesn’t refine enough Ultra Low Sulfer Diesel for you to count on finding ULSD at a Pemex pump. Oil independence is woven into Mexico’s national pride, and the President supports Pemex. Foreign stations, however, import most of their fuel from the USA. Thus you are likely to find ULSD at Chevron, Gulf, Arco, G500, and other international stations. Try Google. Search for their websites. Some will actually tell you if they have the new diesel. Participate in online BBSs (yeah, they still exist and are easier to follow than FaceBook) and FB for tips.
They have provided us this link to offer our clients…this shows where all the diesel stations are currently.
PEMEX Diesel Stations
They have, as of this writing, upgraded half of the stations in Mexico City and 200 stations in central Mexico.
Keep an eye out and help us if you can by sending us WHERE YOU FIND IT. You will see signs of the Diesel for (Bajo Azufre) or DUBA (diesel ultra bajo azufre) Low Sulfur.
Diesel in Mexico: The Gas Jockey
Your best bet is to ask the attendant when you pull in if the diesel is Ultra Low Azufre and offer a small propina. If they don’t have it, he will know where. Of course, there will be signs with “Ultra Baja Azufre,” but years of experience have taught me to trust people more than signs in Mexico. You can trust signs in general. But the station may have sold out, so the fallback is to rely on humans. Just like the old days when unleaded gasoline was hard to find, fill up at half a tank, and you will save a lot of stress.
When you pull into a station, ask the gas pump attendant (with a 20 peso bill visible) if they truly have ULSD. Say something like Tiene ultra baja azufre diesel And if he says yes, look incredulous and say, No me digas! or Cierto? If he again replies in the affirmative, go for it. The pumps also look different.
Mike, thank you super helpful and fuel fear aside. Ill be taking a maiden voyage to Mexico via 24 ft toy hauler with 100 gallons fresh and 40 gallons fuel for Geni. have two Dogs one little and one German Shepherd. We are self sufficient for over 3-4 weeks at a time. I want to fish and live local and be close to nature and water but I don’t want to get bandito’d
up here in Idaho I don’t worry about that. What do you recommend for safety and prevention and possibly protection in example a big can of Bear spray etc??
I have Visited Mexico City many Times and speak some Spanish and am Familiar with the fact that most of the Mexican people are fiercely Honest and highly religious and very friendly there are some that make crime a living. I also know that local Sheriffs know exactly who the bad guys are and they are not likely to Gun down tourists in broad daylight… I also don’t want my entire Truck & trailer hijacked . what recommendations might you make as far as Healty destinations with great Baja Cuisine with access to Good Diesel and Unleaded fuel.
Thank you,
Guy Cooke Ringo & Cowboy
You have a good understanding of the majority of Mexican people which is good. But regular petty thieves are everywhere. So parking on a deserted beach may not be the best choice for you. But if you want to do so, here are some suggestions.
First of all, leave the Bear spray at home. It is considered a weapon and a cop or soldier would be within his rights to arrest you for having it. Same goes for knives and spear guns.
If you are hauling an extra 40 gallons of fuel in addition to what is in your tanks, you are taking a chance or blowing up in case of an accident. I know people do it and I even did it when I went back-roading in the Copper Canyon, but it is not safe. You may run into trouble crossing the border. In the USA guys who had an auxiliary tank in the back of their truck got busted by US Customs. The same happened to people going the other way.
Anytime you park on a lonely beach anywhere, you are vulnerable. I’d say less so than in the USA. But it is probably not wise. If you park on a stretch of beach where there is a restaurant, make friends with the owner and buy stuff from him and he will watch over your rig. That is the safest and most conservative way to do what you want.
Frankly, Baja still has fuel shortages. All gasoline is unleaded, no worries about that. Diesel, however is more likely to be LSD – not – ULSD. And there are times when pumps in the middle of the peninsula run dry for days. I’ve planned trips for people and they get an app for their phone to check the availability of fuel each day. Fill up at 1/4 to 1/2 tank.
Hi Mike. I have a 2020 Sprinter 4 by 4 and planning to drive from Seattle to Cabo next week. I’m getting conflicting information regarding the availability of ultra low sulfur diesel in Baja Sur. I have spent hours researching this and I’m not coming up with any good answers. I’m hoping you can assist me. Thank you.
Sorry for the delayed response, you should not have any issues finding ULSD in Baja Sur but can you confirm and contribute for the cause? I’m assuming you are there now.
Thanks for all the detailed information about ULSD! You mentioned a link above, but I can’t find it. Thanks for your help.
IS THERE DUTY ON 2 JERRY CANS FULL OF DIESEL FUEL? ONLY 10 GALS.