Andres Lopez Obrador says the 2013 reforms have caused ‘serious harm’ to the energy sector
Mexico compromises energy reforms
Investor uncertainty mounts as approved legislation threatens to return energy sector to state control
Mexico’s senate has approved a provocative new hydrocarbons bill aimed at tackling fuel theft and corruption. But critics argue the proposal undermines the 2013 energy reforms and will restore state oil company Pemex’s downstream domination. Approved by 65 votes to 47, the bill grants the energy ministry (Sener) and the state regulator (CRE) enhanced authority to suspend—either temporarily or permanently—operating permits for reasons of national security, energy security or threats to the economy. “Investors are seriously considering no longer investing in the hydrocarbons sector in Mexico” Rodriguez-Cortina, King & Spalding The new bill gives Mexican authorities unfettered a
Also in this section
5 March 2026
Gas is a central pillar of Colombia’s energy system, but declining production poses a significant challenge, and LNG will be increasingly needed as a stopgap. A recent major offshore gas discovery offers hope, but policy improvements are also required, Camilo Morales, secretary general of Naturgas, the Colombian gas association, tells Petroleum Economist
4 March 2026
The continent’s inventories were already depleted before conflict erupted in the Middle East, causing prices to spike ahead of the crucial summer refilling season
4 March 2026
The US president has repeatedly promised to lower gasoline prices, but this ambition conflicts with his parallel aim to increase drilling and could be upended by his war against Iran
4 March 2026
With the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed following US-Israel strikes and Iran’s retaliatory escalation, Fujairah has become the region’s critical pressure release valve—and is now under serious threat
