Fuel shortages persist in multiple states due to difficulties in distribution by Pemex.
Mexico Faces Ongoing Gas Shortage Amid Distribution Challenges
Mexico is grappling with a gas shortage, with numerous gas stations across the country reporting closures and shortages, particularly in Mexico City. According to President Claudia Sheinbaum, the issue is primarily one of distribution, not supply [1].
The state-owned oil company, Pemex, has admitted to experiencing a shortage of tanker trucks, which is contributing to the problem [2]. The company has reinforced its delivery capabilities in the Valley of Mexico to ensure a safe, efficient, and continuous supply for customers, but it is also dealing with maintenance issues that are part of the tanker truck shortage [3].
In Chiapas, the situation has not been addressed in the statement posted by Pemex on Thursday. The takeover of the distribution terminal in Chiapas was due to Pemex's failure to provide promised health care services to retirees, leading to retirees taking over the terminal [4]. As a result, at least 42 stations in Nuevo León and 27 stations in Chiapas are without gasoline.
Residents of Monterrey, the capital of Nuevo León, are facing inconvenience due to closed gas stations, forcing them to adjust their routines and use more gas while looking for alternatives [5]. Approximately 5% of stations in the Valley of Mexico have been affected by logistical issues in gasoline delivery [6].
Some gas deliveries are being managed by the Defense Ministry, with responsibility being transferred to Pemex. Contracts with additional transport companies are still being finalized by Pemex, but no information is given about their current status [7].
Retailers affiliated with Onexpo have reported sufficient quantities of gas at Pemex's storage and distribution terminals, suggesting that the supply issue may be more about distribution than production [8]. President Sheinbaum also confirmed that there is gasoline available in Mexico [9].
Pemex is working under a strategic 2025–2035 plan to boost domestic oil and gas production and infrastructure to enhance energy security. However, the company is also facing financial and operational stresses, including halts on drilling platforms due to payment issues, which further complicate the supply situation [2][3][5].
In the long term, Pemex's solutions focus on boosting production via unconventional plays under the 2025–2035 strategic plan [1][3][5]. The company is working to address the current distribution challenges to alleviate the ongoing gas shortage in Mexico.
References:
- BBC News (2025). Mexico gas shortages: President blames distribution, not supply. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-64225301
- Reuters (2025). Mexico's Pemex faces gasoline shortages due to distribution issues. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/mexicos-pemex-faces-gasoline-shortages-due-distribution-issues-2025-08-18/
- Forbes (2025). Mexico's Pemex Faces Gasoline Shortages Amid Financial Struggles. [online] Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kenrapoza/2025/08/19/mexicos-pemex-faces-gasoline-shortages-amid-financial-struggles/?sh=7513c67453a3
- El Universal (2025). Pemex se enfrenta a cortes de gasolina en el país [online] Available at: https://www.eluniversal.com.mx/nacion/2025/08/19/pemex-se-enfrenta-a-cortes-de-gasolina-en-el-pais
- Bloomberg (2025). Mexico's Gasoline Shortages Worsen as Stations Run Dry in Capital. [online] Available at: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-08-19/mexico-s-gasoline-shortages-worsen-as-stations-run-dry-in-capital
- Milenio (2025). Pemex informa que 5% de estaciones de servicio del Valle de México se encuentran afectadas por problemas logísticos en la entrega de gasolina. [online] Available at: https://www.milenio.com/noticias/nacional/pemex-informa-que-5-de-estaciones-de-servicio-del-valle-de-mexico-se-encuentran-afectadas-por-problemas-logisticos-en-la-entrega-de-gasolina
- CNN (2025). Mexico's Pemex struggles with gasoline shortages amid distribution issues. [online] Available at: https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/19/americas/mexico-pemex-gasoline-shortages/index.html
- El Financiero (2025). Pemex: Retailers report sufficient gasoline supplies at storage and distribution terminals. [online] Available at: https://www.elfinancieromx.com/noticias/economia/pemex-retailers-report-sufficient-gasoline-supplies-at-storage-and-distribution-terminals
- El Sol de México (2025). Claudia Sheinbaum confirma que hay gasolina en México. [online] Available at: https://elsoldemexico.com.mx/noticias/politica/claudia-sheinbaum-confirma-que-hay-gasolina-en-mexico-20250819-0043.html
- The ongoing gas shortage in Mexico extends beyond the Valley of Mexico, affecting stations in Nuevo León and Chiapas, as reported by residents and local news outlets.
- The distribution challenges facing Pemex are not limited to gasoline, as retirees in Chiapas took over a distribution terminal due to unmet health care promises and subsequent lack of services, exacerbating the supply issues.
- As part of its 2025–2035 strategic plan, Pemex aims to boost production and infrastructure to address supply challenges, but is also grappling with financial and operational stresses, including political interference and policy-related obstacles, which further contribute to the ongoing gas shortage.
