Floods Disrupt Fuel Supply in Queretaro

Roughly 190 PEMEX-branded gas stations in Queretaro suffered fuel supply delays this week after torrential rains disrupted logistics and distribution, prompting supply rationing and user complaints across the state. The Queretaro Service Station Union reported that magna gasoline is now flowing again, while premium grades are being reintroduced gradually. Full normalization is expected by week’s end, according to Enrique Arroyo, Union President.

The supply shortages began Wednesday last week, worsened by Friday, and peaked over Saturday and Sunday. As of Monday, Oct. 20, deliveries resumed, prioritizing stations with the most severe shortages.

The disruptions in Queretaro are part of a broader wave of storm-related impacts across Mexico’s oil and gas infrastructure. In east-central Mexico, heavy downpours triggered flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage. In Veracruz, a PEMEX pipeline rupture led to an 8km oil spill along the Pantepec River, forcing spill containment and cleanup operations with support from the Navy and environmental agencies. 

In total, flooding from storms attributed to remnants of Hurricane Priscilla and Tropical Storm Raymond affected more than 150 municipalities, left at least 76 dead, and damaged nearly 1,000km of roads, isolated communities, and cut off access to infrastructure. 

These weather events have strained the supply chain. Flooded roads and landslides disrupted fuel tanker transport and delayed deliveries to remote areas. Some refining units and terminal operations were forced to curtail throughput due to access issues or safety precautions. The cumulative effect is a period of stress for Mexico’s downstream fuel distribution network. Analysts warn that extreme weather, already more frequent under climate change, will increasingly test resilience in oil and gas logistics. 

Combined with existing strains, such as pipeline maintenance, quality issues suppressing US natural gas imports, and competition for gas volumes downstream, these disruptions risk triggering localized shortages and price shocks. 

Meanwhile in Queretaro, the immediate challenge remains restoring fuel deliveries across all grades. The state union expects full restoration by the end of the week, barring additional logistical setbacks or further storms.