U.S. San Ysidro International Border Crossing Into Tijuana Closed Due To PEMEX Gasoline Protests

Major PEMEX gasoline protests at Mexico's border side caused the U.S. to close the San Ysidro International border crossing and diverted heavy traffic to the Otay International Border crossing.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

January 8, 2017

Rosarito, Baja California, México - On Saturday, Alfredo Alvarez, a local Mexican journalist reported while live streaming on his Facebook (FB) account that the San Ysidro International Border crossing into Mexico was closed by the U.S. and diverted congested traffic to the Otay International Border crossing due to major protests by Mexican nationals against the increase of PEMEX gasoline prices. In the Alvarez live stream video, Federal Police, municipal police from Rosario and Tijuana, the Ministry police and other agencies managed to take control of the main Boulevard to the PEMEX Plant No.5 gasoline refinery and kept protesters from preventing fuel transport trucks to exit the refinery.

According to Alvarez, at least 226 gas stations in Rosarito have no gas available as of Saturday night and warned his FB followers to stay home because of a shortage of gasoline and to use public transport when possible.

Mexican authorities brought in barricades to block the Boulevard and entrance to the refinery in Rosarito and to keep protesters from blocking the back exit of gasoline trucks from the refinery.

Police escorts of fuel trucks will be provided through a back road avoiding the protesters, according to Alvarez.