The US oil capital was picked for its competitive market and high Latino and Mexican populations, the company said in a statement.

The stations will be operated by franchisees.

Houston represents an "ideal" place to test out the Pemex brand alongside future competitors who are set to enter Mexico's downstream market, the company said in a statement.

The first pilot phase facility is at 7922 Park Place Boulevard, off Interstate 45 south of downtown near Pasadena.

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