PEMEX Streamlines Operations to Combat Fuel Theft

The Mexican government is focusing on combating fuel theft by streamlining oversight and introducing mandatory traceability across the supply chain through regulatory reforms. President Claudia Sheinbaum highlighted the role of secondary laws in ensuring accountability in fuel imports, distribution, and sales.

“Secondary laws will make traceability mandatory—who imports, who distributes, who stores, and which service station the fuel reaches,” Sheinbaum stated during a press conference on March 3. She emphasized that fragmented oversight by multiple institutions has enabled illegal fuel sales, a gap the reform seeks to close by unifying regulations under a single authority.

As part of the recently introduced reform, CRE and CNH will merge into the National Energy Commission (CNE), which will operate under the Ministry of Energy. This body will oversee all aspects of fuel imports, production, and commercialization.

Efforts Against Fuel Theft

Between January and February 2025, the government conducted multiple operations to combat hydrocarbon theft. The Ministry of the Navy (SEMAR), in coordination with PEMEX security personnel, disabled 41 illegal fuel taps in Puebla, including 11 in Huauchinango, Ahuazotepec, and Xicotepec in February. Similar efforts in January led to the shutdown of 30 taps in the state.

Authorities also carried out coordinated operations across several states, seizing large quantities of stolen fuel and arresting individuals linked to illegal distribution networks. Although Sheinbaum did not specify financial losses from fuel theft, she reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing the issue through joint efforts from PEMEX, the National Guard, and the Attorney General’s Office.

The National Organization of Oil Retailers (Onexpo) expressed support for the federal government’s Voluntary Agreement to Promote Stability in Regular Gasoline Prices, which sets a price ceiling of MX$24/L. However the organization called for a “more intense approach” to eradicate fuel theft, urging stronger measures to ensure the legality of fuel in the market.

Meanwhile, Mexico’s Employer Confederation (COPARMEX) also called on Sheinbaum’s administration to tackle fuel theft and illegal imports, arguing that curbing illicit fuel trade is essential for market stability. “To achieve a comprehensive solution in the fuel market that supports public policy objectives on pricing, it is crucial to implement measures that combat illicit oil trade in all its forms and to strengthen processes to prevent illegal fuel imports,” said COPARMEX President Juan José Sierra.