Promised monitoring, real results?
César Iván Escalante, the head of Profeco, came out yesterday to say that this week they will be monitoring that the gas stations comply with the government’s pact with the pump owners: lowering diesel to 27 pesos per liter. It sounds nice, but we already know how these stories end.
The agreement was signed on April 28, and since last Friday the reduction in commissions for paying by card also applies. According to Escalante, the goal is that during these days the price of diesel will fall until it reaches 27 pesos. And they will be monitoring, he says. Of course, as if that guaranteed anything.
“On April 28, the President of Mexico agreed with the gas sector to reduce the price of diesel. The goal is that during this week the cost per liter will decrease until it reaches 27 pesos per liter. Compliance will be monitored at service stations”
The most revealing: until May 3, 76.47% of the stations were already selling diesel for below 28.8 pesos. But 17% “continue to break the bank,” according to the official himself, selling it at 28.51 pesos or more. Translation: almost one in five gas stations completely ignores the agreement.
The usual fine print
Next Monday they promise to present the percentage of compliance with the goal of 27 pesos. In other words, they are going to give us numbers after the deadline expires. As if we didn’t know that in this country monitoring usually ends in promises and little real action against those who are too smart.
Meanwhile, diesel drivers—truckers, transporters, farmers—are still waiting for the promised word to become a reality at the pump. And I, with the skepticism that comes with having seen too many broken agreements, can only say: I hope this time is different. But I’m not betting my vegan dinner on it.
