The debt of Petróleos Mexicanos (PEMEX) to suppliers reached 506 billion 153 million pesos (24 billion 973 million dollars) at the end of 2024, representing a 37.4% increase compared to the previous year, according to the company's financial information. Despite efforts to reduce this debt, the situation worsened compared to the third quarter of the same year.
The president of the company, Claudia Sheinbaum, mentioned that payments to PEMEX suppliers and contractors began in December 2024. However, the debt not only did not decrease but increased by 25.1% during that period. In a press conference with investors, Jorge Alberto Aguilar, corporate director of planning, coordination, and performance of PEMEX, highlighted the importance of regaining the trust of business partners and working to improve internal processes.
Juan Carlos Carpio Fragoso, corporate director of finance at PEMEX, reported that they are closely collaborating with the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit and the Ministry of Energy to implement financial schemes that help reduce both supplier debt and the company's financial debt. The goal is to maintain net zero debt for the year 2025.
Regarding PEMEX's operating performance, liquid hydrocarbon production recorded a 10% decrease in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to the same period of the previous year. This situation affected companies and workers in the sector, as expressed by Carlos Adrián García Basto, general director of the energy agency of Campeche, who mentioned the financial difficulties they have faced.
García Basto emphasized that PEMEX's debt to suppliers and contractors negatively impacted the industry, leading to job losses. It is estimated that about 600 people in the hydrocarbon sector in Campeche were affected by this situation.
