popular articles

Debate on the exploitation of unconventional hydrocarbons in Mexico

Experts are calling for a serious debate on the exploitation of unconventional resources in Mexico, believing that neglecting this opportunity would be a major strategic error.
Fracking hydrocarbures non conventionnels Mexique

Please share:

Mexico has considerable unconventional hydrocarbon resources, estimated at around 113 billion barrels of oil equivalent, according to the National Hydrocarbon Commission (CNH). Of these resources, 57% are located in unconventional deposits, mostly unexploited. Hydraulic fracturing (fracking) technology has evolved considerably, making the exploitation of these resources more viable. Yet under the current administration, this approach has been largely neglected.

Ignored Potential

Under President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex) has focused on shallow-water and onshore deposits. This strategy has ruled out exploration of unconventional and deepwater deposits, which are considered riskier and slow to mature. The administration has explicitly rejected the use of fracking, despite the enormous potential reserves.
Enrique Silva Pérez, Partner at Procura Regulatory Consulting, believes that refusing to discuss fracking is a strategic error. “It’s essential to assess the potential of these resources to fuel the country’s growth with its own resources,” he declares.

The need for investment and long-term planning

Independent analyst Fluvio Ruíz Alarcón points out that Mexico is heavily dependent on foreign gas, with a dependency of over 90%. He notes that Pemex’s low production is mainly for its own consumption, and that a lack of investment and long-term planning is hampering the efficient exploitation of gas resources.
Ruíz Alarcón adds that the deficient infrastructure prevents Pemex from processing the gas properly, leading to significant wastage. “At one point, the country was burning up to 13% of its production, a figure that has now been reduced to around 6%, but is still three times higher than the 2% norm,” he points out.

Towards a New Oil Era

To meet these challenges, it is proposed to create an independent subsidiary within Pemex, dedicated exclusively to gas, with specific financial incentives. At present, gas production is subject to the same tax regime as crude oil production, which is not adapted to the distinct economic realities of these markets.
Despite a reduction in the special fee paid by Pemex to the government, from 65% to 30%, the company continues to suffer financial losses. Appropriate measures and targeted investment are therefore crucial to fully exploit the potential of unconventional hydrocarbons in Mexico.
Reassessing Mexico’s energy strategy is essential to reduce dependence on gas imports and maximize the use of domestic resources. The adoption of proven fracking technologies could play a crucial role in this paradigm shift, boosting the country’s economic and energy growth.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Recently published in

Saudi Aramco is considering new investments in Indian refinery projects after previous failures, as the country boosts refining capacity to meet rising domestic demand.
The Nigerian president has replaced the leadership of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company amid declining output and eroding investor confidence.
The Nigerian president has replaced the leadership of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company amid declining output and eroding investor confidence.
Sinopec has identified over 140 mn tonnes of proven reserves in the Jiyang Basin, marking the largest certified shale oil discovery in China.
Sinopec has identified over 140 mn tonnes of proven reserves in the Jiyang Basin, marking the largest certified shale oil discovery in China.
Boaz Energy II has completed the sale of its oil properties and trust units to T2S Permian Acquisition II, refocusing its operations while maintaining administrative continuity of the PermRock Royalty Trust.
Boaz Energy II has completed the sale of its oil properties and trust units to T2S Permian Acquisition II, refocusing its operations while maintaining administrative continuity of the PermRock Royalty Trust.
Offshore oil group Awilco Drilling PLC enters ex-dividend period on 1 April, marking the detachment of a USD 2.06 per share payment, amid significant cash returns to shareholders.
After several years of negotiations, Uganda officially signs an agreement to establish the Hoima oil refinery, a central project in the country's energy strategy aimed at reducing dependency on fuel imports.
After several years of negotiations, Uganda officially signs an agreement to establish the Hoima oil refinery, a central project in the country's energy strategy aimed at reducing dependency on fuel imports.
The Nigerian national oil company, NNPC, is finalizing the last steps toward its highly anticipated stock market listing, mobilizing investors and financial institutions for what promises to be a pivotal moment in Africa’s energy market.
The Nigerian national oil company, NNPC, is finalizing the last steps toward its highly anticipated stock market listing, mobilizing investors and financial institutions for what promises to be a pivotal moment in Africa’s energy market.
Repsol’s Chief Executive said the company is exploring options with US authorities to remain active in Venezuela following Washington’s decision to end sanctions waivers.
Repsol’s Chief Executive said the company is exploring options with US authorities to remain active in Venezuela following Washington’s decision to end sanctions waivers.
CNOOC Limited has announced the discovery of the Huizhou 19-6 oilfield in the eastern South China Sea, with proven reserves exceeding 100 million tonnes of oil equivalent.
PetroChina posts record net profit in 2024, driven by rising oil and gas volumes and expanded refining and distribution operations.
PetroChina posts record net profit in 2024, driven by rising oil and gas volumes and expanded refining and distribution operations.
EACOP has confirmed the closure of an initial tranche of external financing for its 1,443 km pipeline, as several NGOs urge participating banks to withdraw from the project.
EACOP has confirmed the closure of an initial tranche of external financing for its 1,443 km pipeline, as several NGOs urge participating banks to withdraw from the project.
Chinese oil group CNOOC Limited reported higher net profit for 2024, driven by growing reserves, record production and strict cost discipline.
Chinese oil group CNOOC Limited reported higher net profit for 2024, driven by growing reserves, record production and strict cost discipline.
The US Energy Information Administration reported an unexpected decline in crude oil inventories, reversing analysts' forecasts of an increase, with immediate effects on crude prices.
Cut off from Iranian energy imports by Washington, Iraq accelerates commercial efforts in Africa while resuming oil exports through Turkey to quickly secure new economic and energy markets.
Cut off from Iranian energy imports by Washington, Iraq accelerates commercial efforts in Africa while resuming oil exports through Turkey to quickly secure new economic and energy markets.
Drydocks World has secured a contract to extend the operational life of the Baobab MV10 offshore platform in Côte d’Ivoire by 15 years through refurbishment and upgrade works.
Drydocks World has secured a contract to extend the operational life of the Baobab MV10 offshore platform in Côte d’Ivoire by 15 years through refurbishment and upgrade works.
Amid trade tensions with the United States, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is reviving pipeline projects toward the Arctic to directly access European and Asian markets, diversifying Canada's oil exports.
Amid trade tensions with the United States, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is reviving pipeline projects toward the Arctic to directly access European and Asian markets, diversifying Canada's oil exports.
According to Offshore Energies UK, Britain's oil and gas potential in the North Sea is limited by a tax regime that hinders investments needed to boost national production, increasing dependency on imports.
US authorities have extended Chevron’s temporary licence to operate in Venezuela until 27 May, despite Donald Trump’s warnings of tariffs on imports from countries trading with Caracas.
US authorities have extended Chevron’s temporary licence to operate in Venezuela until 27 May, despite Donald Trump’s warnings of tariffs on imports from countries trading with Caracas.
Senator Yannick Jadot appears in court in Paris for defamation after accusing TotalEnergies of being “an accomplice to war crimes” due to its presence in Russia in 2022.
Senator Yannick Jadot appears in court in Paris for defamation after accusing TotalEnergies of being “an accomplice to war crimes” due to its presence in Russia in 2022.
Shell Brasil approves the offshore Gato do Mato project development, targeting production of 120,000 barrels per day by 2029, further consolidating its position as Brazil’s leading foreign oil producer.
Shell Brasil approves the offshore Gato do Mato project development, targeting production of 120,000 barrels per day by 2029, further consolidating its position as Brazil’s leading foreign oil producer.
The South African government is intensifying efforts to exploit its vast oil and gas reserves to stimulate national economic growth and boost public revenue.
A North Dakota jury ordered Greenpeace to pay more than $665 million to Energy Transfer, triggering international reactions denouncing an attack on freedom of expression.
A North Dakota jury ordered Greenpeace to pay more than $665 million to Energy Transfer, triggering international reactions denouncing an attack on freedom of expression.
Ecuador has detected a new oil spill in a pipeline located in the Amazonian province of Napo, near its main hydroelectric plant, raising concerns over the country’s energy supply.
Ecuador has detected a new oil spill in a pipeline located in the Amazonian province of Napo, near its main hydroelectric plant, raising concerns over the country’s energy supply.
Iraq and the United Arab Emirates have submitted compensation plans to OPEC+ to offset their production surplus in February, amid falling crude prices and the gradual reduction of cuts planned for April.
Iraq and the United Arab Emirates have submitted compensation plans to OPEC+ to offset their production surplus in February, amid falling crude prices and the gradual reduction of cuts planned for April.

Advertising