Business · Energy & Commodities · 1 hr ago
Fuel theft and smuggling cost Pemex billions as losses rise
Pemex reported 9.18 billion pesos in losses from physical fuel theft in the second quarter of this year, its worst such losses since 2018.
The theft involves fuel taken directly from the company’s pipelines and tanker trucks in Mexico.
Pemex also acknowledged fuel smuggling through imports that appear legal but use false paperwork or other methods to avoid taxes and rules.
The company said authorities seized about 61 million litres of fuel in 2025, a 297% increase from 2024.
Pemex said it worked with federal agencies, including the finance ministry, the armed forces and the National Guard, to address theft and smuggling.
It also reported filing 31 complaints with prosecutors over possible corruption involving public officials, former officials and companies.
Analysts say the illegal fuel trade remains difficult to control, and Pemex’s report describes continued coordination and enforcement efforts.
Pemex reported losses of 9.18 billion pesos from physical fuel theft in the second quarter of 2026, its worst quarterly losses since 2018.
The company said it detected and seized around 61 million liters of fuel in 2025 as part of efforts to combat fuel smuggling.
Pemex said the seized volume was 297% higher than in 2024.
Analyst Javier Oliva said leaks of information from Pemex and other agencies undermine efforts to stop fuel theft and smuggling.
Pemex also reported 31 complaints to federal prosecutors over possible corruption offences involving public officials, former officials and companies.
- Who
- Pemex and Mexican authorities are combating fuel theft and smuggling; analysts say the illicit trade remains a major problem.
- What
- Pemex reported rising losses from physical fuel theft and described measures against fuel smuggling.
- When
- The reported losses occurred in the second quarter of 2026. The company’s cited measures and seizures were from 2025.
- Where
- Mexico, including Pemex pipelines and fuel import routes through land and maritime customs.
- Why
- Fuel theft and smuggling cause losses for Pemex and evade taxes and regulations.
Analysts
Pemex
Effectiveness of anti-theft efforts
Analysts
Javier Oliva said authorities’ efforts are not evident because information leaks enable fuel theft and smuggling.
Pemex
Pemex said it strengthened cooperation with law enforcement and security agencies and coordinated efforts to detect and seize illicit fuel.
Aspect
Analysts
Analysts' view
Pemex
Pemex's view
Pemex’s 2025 report said the number of fuel seizures in 2025 was 297% higher than in 2024.
Pemex said authorities detected and seized around 61 million liters of fuel.
Physical fuel theft caused Pemex losses of 9.18 billion pesos, the company’s highest quarterly losses since 2018.
Pemex’s 2025 annual report was published the week before the article appeared.
- Physical fuel theft losses
- 9.18 billion pesos in the second quarter of 2026
- Fuel seized
- Around 61 million liters in 2025
- Increase in fuel seizures
- 297% compared with 2024
- Hydrocarbon assessments
- 1,922 in 2025, up 32% from the previous year
- Complaints to federal prosecutors
- 31 over possible corruption offences
What people are saying
In 2025, 1,922 assessments were prepared to identify, quantify and value hydrocarbons, representing a 32% increase in the number of requests received from prosecutorial authorities compared with the previous year.
Around 61 million liters of fuel were detected and seized.
The collaborations seem strange; for example, no one knew anything and no one was arrested in the seizure of dozens of rail tank cars in Coahuila last year.
Sources
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