Fuel prices rise in Guatemala and Mexico due to market volatility

Fuel prices are rising across the region, driven by international market pressures and local logistics. In Guatemala, diesel prices have surged, exceeding the cost of gasoline in some areas. In Quetzaltenango, diesel reached Q51.29 per gallon, while regular and super gasoline were priced at Q44.49 and Q46.49, respectively. This increase has sparked public concern regarding the impact on passenger transport, goods distribution, and food prices. Authorities are considering price limits and increased surveillance to prevent abuses.

In Mexico, the stability of diesel prices is increasingly tied to international dynamics. The terminal price at PEMEX facilities has risen by approximately 72% in seven months, moving from roughly 12.31 pesos to over 21.20 pesos per liter. Private terminals, including Monterra, IEnova, and Valero, have also seen increases, with prices ranging between 20.5 and 22.3 pesos per liter. The market is facing significant pressure from the international ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) market in the U.S. Gulf Coast, leaving the Mexican market with few internal buffers to mitigate volatility.