Liters that are not full liters could explain this it would seem, but who benefits from the shorting? Are Pemex stations franchises, rather than government owned? I guess even if they are all government owned, the operators could still sell gasoline left over to others, on the side: employee theft is common, in Mexico. We had it attempted, last evening, when a waiter (obviously working together with the cashier) asked to be paid for the food and drink we had consumed, but did not produce a receipt for the full amount- making it possible for them to pocket the difference, had we not objected.
Are you guys SURE that there is ethanol in Mexican gas? This is very important to me, not because of my car, but because of my boat. Ethanol really raises hell with older marine-type gas systems in outboard motors (tank, fuel lines, and then filters, etc.) I had always been told that Mexico does not use ethanol (yet, but that it was coming eventually) and assumed it was because they could barely produce enough corn for their tortillas (haha). But then again, ethanol doesn't have to be made out of corn and maybe they use what's left from sugar cane squeezings. But 20% drop in mileage would be about right. I notice it a lot when I drive NoB. I lose about 100 miles per tankful, after I have to fill up in the US. Yes, Pemex is owned by the Federal Gov't. and you have to be or know someone who is high up, in order to get a gas station. The gov't. sets the maximum price/liter, although stations can charge less. One here does that and there is always a line of cars at that particular station.
I decided to do a little looking and it appears that Pemex stations are franchises, after all. Here's a sample comment about it, from the web- And, there is the official webite, which speaks of there being over 7,700 Pemex franchises set up in the country. PEMEX.com *|* Franquicia PEMEX ______________________
I am now starting to think that the stations are stealing from the customers, by selling short of a liter. The tank I am on now is getting substantially more miles than the last 4 or 5 tanks. I got this one at the Pemex behind Costco. Had lunch with my mechanic today and he recommended the one on Bonampak, next to Superama. His former employer got its gas there for more than a dozen vehicles. I will probably need gas tomorrow and will use that station. Someone suggested going to where the taxi drivers. The only place that I know of it is at the end of La Luna, just before Santa Fe. That's a bit out of the way. I should make notes on where I put in my 40 liters and compare to how many miles I get. Maybe I can be a watchdog for Profeco or whoevrer. LOL Actually we all should be aware of our fuel consumption. If you have a car and use it, this cost is a significant part of your budget. If we get exceptional mileage, one way or the other, we should advise each other. This board is largely to help one another when we can. Cheers,
T.J., sounds like you're about gasoline as I am about electricity, keeping a watchful eye on it. Most customers probably wouldn't notice the difference- if they were getting 9/10 of a liter when they were charged for 10/10- and the owner/operator of the Pemex station could double his profit. If he tosses in a little payoff to the Pemex inspector when he comes around to check the volumes delivered, this could go on for ages. ______________________
Hmmm. Good point V. I seem to be doing better with this tank, from Pemex behind, and across Yaxchilan, from Costco. Should be the day where the light goes on. More later.
Up to 123 for the last 40 liters. Another 40 today at Pemex on Bonampak near Superama. Was heartened to see 4 taxis and 2 of the smaller (local) buses. I may have hit on something here and not have to check out the Pemex at the end of La Luna.
Now that I've got a car, I've become mindful of this, as well, T.J. Not getting the rated gas mileage, I've begun to suspect that I'm not being delivered the full amount of fuel that is being metered to me.... Yesterday, I had a classic: I filled up at the PEMEX station next to SUPERAMA, which I was hoping would prove reliable, and where T.J. had had good luck, and the car immediately began to run rough.... So, between adulteration, substitution and short deliveries, some PEMEX franchise owners continue to reap unjustified returns on their investments! _____________________ Where, in Cancun, is a place I can be assured of getting the quality and quantity of gasoline I'm paying for?
I wonder if it is the PEMEX franchise owner or whether the big tanker is delivering sh*t grade petrol causing your car to run rough? I'm struggling to imagine them opening up the big hatches and pumping in their own crappier petrol - I have an easier time imaging the tanker pumping in dirty fuel.
When getting gas, always ask for it per litre instead of a flat peso amount. So, tell the "pumper" that you want 20 litres instead of $200 pesos worth. This way, you don´t get ripped off as easily. I think the machines can be manipulated to shave off a few pesos but I am not so sure that they can adjust the number of litres being put in.
