OPEC Seeks an Ally in Mexico

Amid criticism and discontent regarding energy policies, PEMEX continues growing its presence in the industry. The NOC grew its gas station presence in Mexico and announced efforts to strengthen cybersecurity measures. Moreover, López Obrador announced an increase in refining targets for next year, despite not achieving this year’s goals.

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PEMEX Grows Gas Station Presence in Mexico

PEMEX has grown its gas station presence, with a 3.5% increase in stations between July 2022 and April 2023. Despite losing market share, PEMEX leads the national fuel market with 82.7% of gasoline sales and 73.5% of diesel sales. The company's sales have grown, thanks to increased benefits and discounts offered to consumers.

PEMEX Strengthens Cybersecurity With New Data Center in CDMX

PEMEX inaugurated a Main Data Center in Mexico City. The company aims to strengthen its cybersecurity, as it faces around 100 billion cyberattacks per year. This main data center will host over 400 business applications, of which 32 are considered essential. Additionally, 70 servers will be implemented, resulting in over 1,200 virtual servers to support PEMEX’s critical processes. The NOC also has 10 storage centers where all its information is collected and stored.

OPEC Courts Mexico, Seeks Price Stabilization

OPEC Secretary General Haitham Al Ghais announced ongoing discussions with Mexico, Azerbaijan, Malaysia and Brunei regarding their potential membership in the organization. Al Ghais said that consultations with new countries contribute to the cohesion of OPEC. The extended group includes 10 countries outside of OPEC.

Saudi Arabia, Russia Extend Oil Cuts

Saudi Arabia and Russia increased their oil production cuts to boost oil prices. The anticipated impact is expected to be particularly significant on the US and Europe. Small price hikes were seen in April, May and July, but ever smaller.

Fire at Cantarell Platform Causes Significant Losses, Disruption

PEMEX reported a fire in Cantarell at the Nohoch-A production platform. The incident has resulted in a loss of 700Mb of oil, so far. The NOC also reported that two people at the facility died as the fire spread to a compression complex. The fire has impacted the operation of at least six of PEMEX’s fields, according to an internal document and a company source. 

AMLO Raises PEMEX’s Refining Targets

President López Obrador discussed PEMEX’s production in one of his morning conferences. He shared that the NOC expects refineries to produce 707MMb of fuels per year. López Obrador announced an increase in refining targets to reduce Mexico's reliance on fuel imports in a move that aims to bolster Mexico’s energy independence and reduce reliance on foreign markets.