U.S. motorists brave Mexico border violence for fuel

[RightinNYC]

U.S. motorists brave Mexico border violence for fuel | U.S. | Reuters

U.S. motorists are risking rampant drug violence in Mexico to drive over the border and fill their tanks with cheap Mexican fuel, some even coming to blows over gas shortages and long queues.

The gap between Mexico's subsidized gasoline and record U.S. prices has made it well worth making the trip, and U.S. drivers are even shrugging off the dangers of Mexico's drug war which sees almost daily shootings in border towns.

Some say they can save up to $100 a month by filling up every two weeks in Mexico. The extra demand is causing shortages at hundreds of Mexico's border gas stations, some of which are starting to ration fuel.

"It's worth taking the risk even with the violence," said a retired California engineer named Terry, who declined to give his surname, as he filled his red Ford pick-up truck in Tijuana, over the border from San Diego. "I know they could kill me or kidnap me, but the cost of filling my tank in the United States is just too much," he said.

Sounds like you've really got your priorities in line.

As pump attendants struggled to keep up with dozens of vehicles lining up for fuel, U.S. and Mexican drivers traded insults. A few even brawled as they waited for hours in searing heat this week in the rough border city of Tijuana.

"I am not budging until I get to the pump. I don't care what anyone says, I've been waiting for two hours," said Jaime Rosales from Southern California, at a gas station where buses, trucks and cars all vied to get to the pumps.

WTF IS WRONG WITH PEOPLE?! Is their time so worthless that this is considered a good deal?

Mexico's subsidized gasoline -- around $1.40 cheaper per gallon than in the United States -- is a huge draw

Fuel subsidies - brilliant.

 

[DeeJayH]

sounds more like a publicity stunt than a real story

 

[Gipper]

as he filled his red Ford pick-up truck in Tijuana

Therein lies the problem. You have every right in the world to drive a gas-guzzler, and I will fight for your right to do so. Having said that, quit your bitchin'. This wouldn't be such a problem if you drove, you know, a more sensible car. Not every man out there needs a pick-up as a penile extension.

 

[Diogenes]

Nothing new here.

25 years ago my brother in Las Cruces had a diesel VW. He told me he could drive across the border at El Paso and fill the tank for $10. He could then drive north and he wouldn't have to stop for gas until he was in Canada, at which point it would cost him $100 to get back home.

 

[Kandahar]

Maybe the Mexicans should start patrolling the border to keep Americans out. :lol:

 

[Gipper]

Yeah, it'd be hard to sneak past someone who's asleep.

 

[new coup for you]

that sounds like an awesome place to organize a Critical Mass showing

 

[RightinNYC]

Therein lies the problem. You have every right in the world to drive a gas-guzzler, and I will fight for your right to do so. Having said that, quit your bitchin'. This wouldn't be such a problem if you drove, you know, a more sensible car. Not every man out there needs a pick-up as a penile extension.

But how else is he supposed to carry all those day laborers he needs to build that deck on his house? Can't fit 7 mexicans in the back of a prius.

 

[John1234]

sounds more like a publicity stunt than a real story

Sounds like it.

They burn up that 1.40 savings on the round trip to Mexico anyhow, unless their point of origin and the gas are only a few miles apart (which is doubtful for the average case).

 

[TBone]

U.S. motorists brave Mexico border violence for fuel | U.S. | Reuters



Sounds like you've really got your priorities in line.



WTF IS WRONG WITH PEOPLE?! Is their time so worthless that this is considered a good deal?



Fuel subsidies - brilliant.

Dawn gringo backs. Maybe Mexico should build a fence to keep us out.

 

[ludahai]

Dawn gringo backs. Maybe Mexico should build a fence to keep us out.

Or they could do what Malaysia did and prohibit people with foreign tags from filling up. Malaysia faced the same problem with Singaporeans crossing over to Johore to fill up with subsidized Malaysian gasoline.