PEMEX Revamps Fleet, Triples Fuel Transport Capacity

PEMEX has undertaken a significant overhaul, successfully tripling its fuel transport capacity through the renewal of its fleet, culminating in a remarkable total of 2,437 units. Spearheaded by CEO Octavio Romero, PEMEX's acquisition of an additional 1,800 tankers underscores a proactive response to multifaceted challenges, including fuel theft.

Over the span of five years, PEMEX’s tanker fleet has witnessed 235% growth, solidifying the NOC’s commitment to fortifying its position in the competitive fuel market. The renewal initiative is not merely quantitative but qualitative, with the revamped fleet adhering to rigorous environmental standards. These tankers boast dual compartments, enabling the simultaneous transport of two different fuels. Equipped with advanced video and voice communication systems, they traverse 58 transfer routes between terminals, reaching an extensive network of 9,000 service stations. This renewal shows PEMEX's dedication to operational efficiency and environmental responsibility while contributing to cost-effectiveness by eliminating the need to rent service units, reports the company.

Simultaneously, PEMEX has been actively combating clandestine fuel taps. Figures reveal an expenditure of over MX$28 million (US$1.6 million) to seal off illegal connections to gas pipelines within the state of Puebla. This financial commitment has witnessed a steady escalation, aligning with the surge in illegal tapping incidents over the years.

President López Obrador's decision to close essential pipelines in 2019, aimed at curbing fuel theft, showcased initial success but raised sustainability concerns. Fuel shortages in the north of the country became apparent during this strategic intervention. The PEMEX Business Plan (2019-2023) outlined fuel theft as a primary target, emphasizing the need to ensure the physical integrity of facilities and information systems.

Salvador Carrejo Orozco, President, COPARMEX Chihuahua, emphasized concerns regarding the surge in fuel theft in the northern region of Chihuahua. Beyond economic implications, Carrejo underscores the unfair competition that illegal tapping poses to legal distributors, calling for the deployment of advanced technologies such as drones to detect immediate pressure changes indicating illegal drains.

Fuel theft, known as huachicoleo, emerges as a multifaceted threat, extending beyond financial implications to include unfair competition, increased violence, and strains on public resources. Ricardo Ruiz, Secretary of Government, affirms that the Mexico City government remains actively engaged in dialog to combat huachicoleo. The city government acknowledges the ongoing challenge and commits to addressing the issue through a combination of information-sharing and targeted operations.

In the period between 2018 and October 2023, 168 clandestine fuel taps were discovered in Mexico City, with Tlalpan and Azcapotzalco accounting for 73% of these incidents. Ruiz underscores the importance of collaborative efforts between government agencies, private entities, and technological solutions to curb this escalating menace. Huachicoleo stands as a critical challenge to Mexico's energy security, demanding a united front for safeguarding the integrity of the nation's energy infrastructure.