Guide · Before you invest
Franchise vs permit: they are not the same thing
It's the costliest misunderstanding in the industry: signing with a brand in the belief that doing so authorizes you to sell fuel. The brand is a contract; the CNE permit is the law.
Side by side
What each one covers
| Franchise (brand) | CNE permit | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Commercial contract (Pemex, G500, Mobil, BP, Oxxo Gas) | Government authorization to market refined petroleum products |
| Required? | No — you can operate under your own brand | Yes — without it, selling fuel is illegal |
| Who grants it | The company that owns the brand | The CNE (formerly the CRE), via the Ventanilla Única portal |
| What it governs | Brand image, supply, commercial terms | Legality of the operation; 30-year term |
| Does it exempt you from filings? | No — CNE, ASEA and the municipality are still your responsibility | It is one of the three required documentation packages |
The real decision isn't "franchise or permit" — the permit, always. The decision is franchise or your own brand, and it is a commercial one: recognition and standards versus margin and flexibility.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
No. The franchise is a commercial brand-and-supply contract; the CNE marketing/retail permit is a separate legal filing you have to obtain yourself.
Yes. With the CNE permit you can operate under your own brand and choose your fuel supplier. The franchise is optional; the permit is not.
Brand image and recognition, operating standards, and supply terms. For many investors it is worth it; for others, going unbranded gives more margin and flexibility.
It does not replace any filing with CNE, ASEA or the municipality. Some brands advise you through the process, but the documentation and the legal responsibility still belong to the permit holder.
For guidance only; the terms of each franchise are set by its franchisor. The permit filing is described in our guide to opening a gas station.
Initial assessment
Your own brand or a franchise? Start with the legal side
With or without a brand, the CNE + ASEA + municipal documentation is your responsibility. We tell you what you need and in what order.
Regulation and energy under one roof
Follow-through to the final decision
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