AMLO Calls for Accountability in Oil Industry

In a recent statement, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador held oil companies liable for recent accidents at PEMEX platforms. He said the lack of professionalism and negligence displayed by external oil companies has led to tragic accidents resulting in loss of human lives.

López Obrador highlighted the strong connection between these accidents and the failure to adhere to safety protocols. "These incidents are often caused by faults, negligence and a lack of professionalism. Workers are sometimes sent to perform tasks without proper precautions, leading to leaks and, as was the case in the recent incident, even fires. It is imperative that companies working on platforms, whether in drilling or maintenance, exercise greater caution and professionalism." In addition, he urged the adoption of more preventive measures to avoid such incidents in the future and called for penalties, including damage reparations and contract suspensions to hold those responsible accountable. He reaffirmed that the ongoing investigation by the Federal Attorney General's Office into the Cantarell platform fire, which claimed the lives of two workers on July 8, is currently actice.

Along with the loss of human lives in the accidents involving construction companies, contractors or PEMEX employees, López Obrador emphasized that these incidents result in significant economic losses and environmental pollution due to oil spills. A recent accident caused by a leak in the Nohoch-A platform resulted in two fatalities and a missing worker. Another tragic event took place on June 21 when a helicopter crashed off the coast of Ciudad del Carmen, Campeche, resulting in the loss of two lives.

Recent accidents at PEMEX platforms have also had negative consequences for the NOC's investment attractiveness. Fitch Ratings' recent downgrade of the company's investment grade pointed at recent operational accidents as one of the reasons behind this downward revision.