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Yanks Flood Mexico for Cheap Gas

50% surge in sales south of border

By Ambreen Ali,  Newser User

Posted Jun 25, 2008 3:46 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Soaring gas prices have Californians and Texans racing for the border and braving drug cartel violence to save some $20 per tank filling up in Mexico. American pumps have passed the $4 mark, but Mexican gas is still just $2.66 a gallon thanks to subsidies intended for poor Mexicans. Americans are buying it up instead, triggering a 50% surge in sales—and Mexican gas shortages, reports the New York Times.

Two months ago Mexicans were coming north of the border for slightly more expensive but higher quality gas. Now, there are traffic jams southbound, even if  the higher sulfur content of cheaper Mexican gas is worse for the air. “Everyone knows Mexican gas is watered down, but customers don’t care,” said a worker at a Texas Chevron station, where business is down 40%.

US consumers protest the high cost of gas. Others are choosing to skip across the border for Mexico's cheaper options.
US consumers protest the high cost of gas. Others are choosing to skip across the border for Mexico's cheaper options.   (Getty Images)
With gas prices still below $3 in Mexico, many Americans are heading south to fuel up.
With gas prices still below $3 in Mexico, many Americans are heading south to fuel up.   (Getty Images)
A man fills his gas tank with a bucket full of gasoline. To avoid paying high gas prices, some residents drive across the border.
A man fills his gas tank with a bucket full of gasoline. To avoid paying high gas prices, some residents drive across the border.   (Magnum Photos)
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