CNE Fast-Tracks Fuel Station Permits With 148 Approvals In August

Mexico’s National Energy Commission (CNE) authorized 148 new permits for service stations in August, marking a sharp acceleration in the country’s fuel infrastructure expansion. The figure represents a significant shift after only five permits granted in July and a single authorization in June. Of the August approvals, 51 were issued early in the month and 97 toward the end, bringing the total number of active permits nationwide to 14,039.

According to data from PetroIntelligence, the State of Mexico leads with 1,274 permits in force, followed by Jalisco with 994 and Veracruz with 822. Yet, when measured per capita, Baja California Sur holds the highest density, with one permit for every 4,270 residents, ahead of Sonora with one per 5,277 and Sinaloa with one per 5,484. In terms of vehicles, Puebla stands out with one permit per 2,078 cars, while Mexico City sits at the opposite end with one for every 16,330 vehicles.

The new wave of authorizations forms part of CNE’s strategy to streamline procedures and accelerate approvals in the downstream sector. At the same time, regulatory scrutiny remains in place. As of Aug. 31, 179 permits have been revoked, led by Tamaulipas with 23, followed by Puebla with 19, and both Michoacan and the State of Mexico with 17 each.