The Dos Bocas refinery in Tabasco, owned by Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex), closed the year 2024 far from its production target of 340,000 barrels per day, processing only 43.1 thousand barrels of crude daily in December. This number represented a decrease of 27.4% compared to November. Throughout the year, August was the best month with 84.1 thousand barrels daily, while October recorded no production.
Dos Bocas managed to operate at 17.5% of its capacity by the end of December, mainly focusing on the production of low-sulfur diesel from previously refined stocks. Despite this, the National Refining System (SNR) had a 16.4% increase in crude processing to close the year.
The Cadereyta refinery showed the highest growth in December 2024 with a processing of 133.7 thousand barrels daily, an increase of 38% compared to the previous month. Other refineries that increased their production were Tula (30%), Salamanca (29.2%), and Salina Cruz (29.1%), while Madero (-4.4%), Minatitlán (-0.6%), and Dos Bocas reduced their refining levels.
Dos Bocas, whose cost has exceeded 20 billion dollars and is still not completed after more than five years, represents a challenge for the president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum. The integration of the various sections of the plant by subcontractors has been problematic, as well as the use of outdated plans that have generated long-term negative consequences. Experts point to design failures and the omission of crucial stages, which have hindered the total operation of the refinery. The problems arising from altitude, pressure, and humidity have further complicated the construction process, raising concerns about potential flooding and weakened foundations at the site where Dos Bocas is built on a mangrove.
