According to statistics from the U.S. government, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo faces a gas deficit in Mexico, with daily imports of 5.9 billion cubic feet at a price higher than $4.50 per million BTUs. Gas production in Mexico has been surpassed by imports, impacting the country's economy and energy supply.
The technology used in the United States for drilling wells has significantly increased gas production in that country, leading Mexico to rely heavily on imports of U.S. gas. Domestic gas production in Mexico is insufficient to meet demand, resulting in higher costs and increased dependence on foreign sources.
Mexico imports more gas than Pemex produces and at ever-increasing prices. This poses a challenge for Sheinbaum Pardo's administration, as natural gas is crucial for electricity generation, supplying 60 percent of households in the country.
The energy landscape in Mexico has been problematic since past administrations, with a constant decline in gas production and a lack of investment in exploration and production. The prohibition of fracking, a technique for extracting gas from underground, has contributed to exacerbating the gas shortage in the country.
The lack of vision and planning in the gas sector in Mexico is an industrial problem that has persisted across different governments. The prioritization of oil over gas has left the country in a vulnerable situation in terms of energy supply and has delayed the diversification of energy sources.
In a global context where the demand for natural gas is increasing, Mexico faces the challenge of sustainably and economically meeting its energy needs. The lack of a clear strategy for the gas sector could have long-term consequences for the Mexican economy and the country's energy security.
