Mexico’s crackdown slashes fuel theft and boosts Pemex profits

From pipeline tampering to black-market resale, Mexico’s war on fuel theft is working. But can Pemex sustain this financial turnaround?

, and Administrator

2025 November 19 . 9:20 PM

1 min read

In this picture we can see a market, in which we can see some stoles and we can see few people are... — In this picture we can see a market, in which we can see some stoles and we can see few people are around.

Mexico’s crackdown slashes fuel theft and boosts Pemex profits

President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo has announced a drop in fuel theft across Mexico. Speaking on the issue, she highlighted improvements in Pemex’s financial health and operational security. The government’s efforts have also led to higher profits for the state-owned oil company.

Sheinbaum credited Pemex, the Energy Secretariat, and the Finance Secretariat for cutting the company’s debt. She dismissed claims that Pemex’s operations were under threat, despite past warnings about fuel theft risks. The president confirmed that illegal practices, such as pipeline tapping (known as huachicol), still exist but on a far smaller scale.

Sales at Pemex and private fuel stations have risen, suggesting a decline in black-market resale. The last full investigation into fuel theft took place in 2021, when Pemex itself told US regulators that theft posed a major operational risk. Now, Sheinbaum reports that both pipeline tampering and illegal imports have fallen sharply.

The government’s crackdown has led to higher profits for Pemex and fewer illegal fuel sales. While some theft continues, the president’s statements point to measurable progress. Pemex’s financial and operational position appears more stable as a result.