Mexico Gas Sector Accuses Authorities of Arbitrary Inspections

Representatives of the gas and gasoline sector denounced that the Agency for Security, Energy, and the Environment, led by the newly appointed Andrea González Hernández, has increased verification visits and closures at gas stations and gas outlets in recent weeks, despite the RENAGAS regularization program offering incentives to facilitate sector regularization. The National Register of Gasoline and Liquefied Petroleum Gas Installations (RENAGAS), created under Armando Ocampo's administration and with over 90% adherence, established as one of its main benefits the avoidance of immediate closure of installations in the process of regularization, except in cases of imminent risk to safety or the environment. However, they accused that "since González's arrival, ASEA, with the support of the Director of Verifications, Rodulfo de la Fuente Pérez, carries out reviews arbitrarily." The complaint was filed anonymously due to fear of possible reprisals. They also pointed out that one of the main obstacles to advancing regularization has been the delay in resolving procedures and permits by the authorities themselves, which limits the ability of companies to meet requirements on time. To date, the authorities have not publicly announced whether there have been changes in the supervision criteria applicable to companies registered in the RENAGAS program, nor have they detailed the number of establishments closed during this period. The sector reiterated its willingness to comply with current regulations and advance its regularization process according to established guidelines.