Mexico's freight transport shifts to natural gas amid diesel price pressure

A recent webinar on vehicle natural gas (GNV) highlighted its growing role in Mexico's heavy‑duty freight sector. Experts noted that GNV can cut fuel costs by 20‑35% compared with diesel and offers 25‑30% lower operating expenses when prices and route conditions align. Environmental advantages were also cited, including reduced emissions of pollutants and particulate matter.

Infrastructure for GNV has expanded markedly, with the number of supply stations rising from about 60 five years ago to roughly 115 nationwide. This has enabled the use of natural‑gas trucks on specific logistics corridors—such as routes linking Mexico City, the State of Mexico, Querétaro, Puebla, Veracruz, Nuevo León, Coahuila, Jalisco, Hidalgo and Durango—where station coverage is sufficient. However, broader adoption faces cultural resistance, limited awareness of benefits, and regulatory hurdles for mobile refueling units. Companies are advised to evaluate each operation case‑by‑case, considering route autonomy, vehicle configuration and operational efficiency.