From late on Sunday, Feb. 8th and through 3 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 9th, local gas stations in Puerto Peñasco were closed in a sign of solidarity with numerous community members who have been voicing their protest against the high gas prices.
Although Puerto Peñasco is considered to be a border region and zone in some cases, lower gas prices can currently only be found in cities directly on the border (Sonoyta, San Luis Rio Colorado, etc. [with prices at nearly half that of Puerto Peñasco]). When it comes to benefits in lower gas prices, the “border area” appears to only extend to cities within 20 kilometers of the U.S. border, per presidential decree.
Given this situation, and in coordination with Mayor Gerardo Figueroa Zazueta, a group has been formed with representatives of civil society from across Puerto Peñasco to travel to Mexico City in order to present the case of Puerto Peñasco to Congressional representatives. This includes a proposal requesting that Puerto Peñasco be taken into account as a border city so that the price of gas be lowered, or rather bring it to an intermediate price of around 10 pesos/liter (approximately $2.90/gallon).
In an agreement reached with the National Organization of Petroleum Dealers in Puerto Peñasco, representatives for civil society, the local administration, and the community have determined there will be no more closures of local gas stations, unless the proposal is not met.
In the meantime, recommendations for those traveling to Puerto Peñasco from cities along the border are to fill up in the U.S. and/or Sonoyta in order to cut down on costs.