Apollo Contests Dos Bocas’ Contract: The Week in Oil and Gas

Química Apollo has taken legal action against PEMEX for a contract for crude desalination and dehydration at the Dos Bocas refinery, as the NOC struggles with water content in its crude exports.

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Química Apollo Files Legal Dispute Against Dos Bocas

Química Apollo has filed a legal complaint against PEMEX to contest the state-owned company's decision to withdraw its contract valued at MX$11 billion (US$537.566 million) for desalinating and dehydrating crude oil at the Dos Bocas refinery.

PEMEX Discusses Water in Crude Exports

The NOC is facing issues with high water content in its crude exports. US refiners are rejecting shipments of Mexican crude due to rising concerns over high water content, forcing them to turn to alternative sources such as Colombia and Canada. PEMEX’s CEO Víctor Rodríguez acknowledged the quality issues, attributing them to temporary factors.

Mexico’s Proposed Gasoline Price Cap Faces Industry Resistance

Despite ongoing negotiations between federal authorities and fuel sector representatives, sources close to the discussions indicate that no consensus has been reached. President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed that her administration is negotiating with fuel producers and retailers to cap regular gasoline prices.

US Energy Secretary Criticizes Net-Zero, Supports LNG Expansion

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright dismissed net-zero climate policies as “sinister” and a form of government control during a speech at the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship conference in London. Wright said efforts to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 had imposed high costs without delivering benefits. 

PEMEX Reports on Pirate Attack

PEMEX reported that on Feb. 13, at approximately 8:30 p.m., a group of around eight individuals illegally boarded the Zaap-D satellite platform, part of the Ku-Maloob-Zaap Production Asset in the Gulf of Mexico. According to the NOC, the individuals stole radio communication devices, tools, and self-contained breathing apparatuses.

PEMEX Reports on Cadereyta Refinery

PEMEX announced that on Feb. 18, officials from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) visited the Cadereyta refinery. The visit aimed to review the measures implemented by PEMEX Transformación Industrial to improve air quality in the region.