Mexico's reforms start to bear fruit
Mexico's energy overhaul is notching up successes after a slow start
Mexico's first international oil auction in July 2015, a landmark moment in the country's energy reforms, was widely panned as a failure. Just two of the 14 blocks put up for bidding garnered winning bids. The world's major international oil companies (IOCs), whose know-how and cash Mexico was desperately seeking, largely gave the round a pass. Even the most ardent reform supporters had to admit it was an inauspicious start. The critics were too hasty. Two years on, their dim judgement needs revising. The first exploration well to come out of that round was completed in July and it was a blockbuster. Talos Energy, a private-equity backed Gulf of Mexico explorer, said its Zama-1 well, drilled
Also in this section
19 January 2026
Newfound optimism is emerging that a dormant exploration frontier could become a strategic energy play and—whisper it quietly—Europe’s next offshore opportunity
16 January 2026
The country’s global energy importance and domestic political fate are interlocked, highlighting its outsized oil and gas powers, and the heightened fallout risk
16 January 2026
The global maritime oil transport sector enters 2026 facing a rare convergence of crude oversupply, record newbuild deliveries and the potential easing of several geopolitical disruptions that have shaped trade flows since 2022
15 January 2026
Rebuilding industry, energy dominance and lower energy costs are key goals that remain at odds in 2026
