Mexico proposes Digital Economy Law for electronic payments

The Mexican Federal Executive has presented an initiative to the Chamber of Deputies for the Digital Economy Law for Digital and Electronic Payments. The proposal aims to modernize payment methods, expand financial inclusion, and leverage digital tools for commerce and authorities.

While the initiative does not currently mandate that gas stations stop accepting cash, Article 13 allows the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit (SHCP) to designate certain strategic sectors where digital payment becomes the only accepted method. Although gas stations are not explicitly named, they are not excluded from this potential regulation.

Gas station business owners have expressed support for digital modernization due to benefits in security and efficiency, but they caution against mandatory requirements. They argue that the choice of payment method should remain with the consumer and express concerns regarding potential dependencies on internet connectivity, electricity, and banking infrastructure.