In the depths of central Mexico, nine bodies were found in vehicles close to a major Pemex oil pipeline. The grim discovery is under detailed scrutiny by the authorities who suspect an association with the ongoing issue of fuel theft.
Fuel Theft in Mexico
Mexico has been grappling with rampant criminal activity involving the theft of gasoline, diesel, and natural gas from the nation’s pipelines. The vehicles containing the bodies had license plates from the Hidalgo state, a region known for its central role in fuel theft operations.
President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, since taking office in December 2018, has made the fight against fuel theft a cornerstone of his administration. He has even deployed thousands of troops specifically to guard these pipelines, however, the problem persists with numerous illegal taps being found annually.
The Rising Toll of Fuel Thrft on Mexico’s Economy
Fuel theft has severe ramifications on the economy of the nation. The state-owned oil company, Petroleos Mexicanos, has suffered losses exceeding $1.1 billion in just 2022 due to this criminal activity. The aggressive response to this problem, particularly by various gangs, has considerably increased the risk to the local populace.
The potential danger to residents was tragically highlighted in January 2019, when an explosion at an illegally tapped pipeline in the state of Hidalgo led to a minimum of 134 casualties. This heartbreaking event underscores the dire consequences of the fight against fuel theft in Mexico.
