First foreign gas stations to open in Mexico

Mexico's motorists are about to see non-Pemex gas stations on the road with Gulf Oil opening four sites in the country.

Gulf Oil will be the first foreign company to open non-Pemex-branded gas stations since the country decided to open its fuel retailing market. The company plans to have 100 full-service and self-service stations operating by the end of 2015.

“We’re proud to be the first to begin operations with a new brand in the recently opened Mexican market,” said Gulf México general manager Sergio de la Vega, reported Mexico News Daily.

Gulf Oil has set its goal for the Mexican market in a 2,000 gas station network over the next three years.

Two of the first four fuel stations will be located in Mexico City and Monterrey, with the other two still to be decided.

Gulf Oil will not be building more gas stations but instead plans to develop a franchise-like scheme that will try to lure Pemex operators to switch brands.