Energy companies are concerned while awaiting approval of their export permits. If by then they do not get the green light from Sener, they will halt the planned investment and could begin a process of selling their operations in Mexico, admitted one of them to LPO. Concern in the markets over the impact of oil prices on Mexico's public finances. The decision of private companies is based on the fact that having an export permit not only opens the door to new markets, but also avoids depending on Pemex for commercialization. With export permits, which can be obtained with a validity of up to twenty years, firms can sell directly to international customers and secure their payments. Without that authorization, however, companies would have to operate the fields under other contractual forms such as utility or production sharing, in which they channel their sales through the state oil company, which implies a payment uncertainty. Without export permits, the energy business in Mexico loses attractiveness compared to other destinations with equally attractive oil fields, but with more stable regulatory frameworks. Pemex is going through a delicate financial situation. "It is the necessary condition to continue investing in Mexico, because it is the guarantee that gives certainty of payments," explained a sector businessman in conversation with LPO. There are several companies in this situation. In reality, they interpret, the underlying reason is political: the government seeks for Pemex to continue controlling the faucet of commercialization, and that the flow of sales both to the domestic market and abroad depends on the state company. The affected companies have decided to continue submitting applications, but they have already set a deadline. The debt with suppliers has also increased by 20% in a year. In its absence, warn the executives, the energy business in Mexico loses attractiveness compared to other destinations in the region where there are equally attractive oil fields, but the regulatory frameworks are more stable and predictable. Energy sector companies are concerned while awaiting approval of their export permits. Some for the first half of next year, others for the second part of 2026. The situation, say the executives, has become the decisive point to maintain their investments in the country. Some have already received more than one rejection from the Ministry of Energy (Sener), with administrative arguments that they consider merely formal. According to their latest financial statements report, their total debt amounts to around 100 billion dollars.
