The ongoing closure of the Texas-Mexico border for fuel trucks has raised concerns about potential gasoline shortages in Mexico. According to Bloomberg, the Mexican government has halted fuel imports across the Texas border due to intensified cargo inspections, a move that has left many distributors struggling.
As of April 16, 2025, the border crossing has been closed for two weeks, affecting trucks transporting gasoline and diesel. A fuel distributor, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed frustration, stating, "My business dried up overnight" due to the sudden demand drop caused by the inspections.
Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reveals that in January 2025, Mexico imported 1.15 million barrels per day of petroleum products from the United States, making it the top destination for U.S. fuel. Specifically, Mexico imported 470,000 barrels per day of finished motor gasoline and 237,000 barrels per day of diesel during that month.
The situation escalated when, on March 31, the Mexican federal government seized 10 million liters of diesel at the port of Tampico, Tamaulipas, which had been falsely registered as oil additives. This led the Attorney General's Office (FGR) to open an investigation into customs officials and shipping agencies associated with the tanker Challenge Procyon, which operates under the Singapore flag. Alejandro Gertz Manero, the attorney general, noted, "All customs documentation was falsified; it came in amounts that were not correct and for a type of fuel that was not accurate."
Rajan Vig, CEO of Indimex Group, commented on the border situation, stating that he does not expect the border to reopen for shipments of petroleum products this week, particularly with the upcoming religious festivities leading up to Easter Sunday. The increased scrutiny at the Texas border is part of a broader effort by President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration to curb illegal fuel trade, which reportedly costs Pemex billions in lost revenue annually.
Reports from Reuters have detailed the suspension of land imports of gasoline and diesel, prompting speculation about a potential fuel shortage in Mexico. The government's decision to intensify inspections at border crossings aims to prevent fuel smuggling, a significant issue that has plagued the industry.
While imports via rail and sea continue to operate normally, the halt of truck shipments could disrupt distribution timelines and availability of fuel in various regions, especially in northern and central states where road transport is critical.
Despite the ongoing inspections and border closure, neither Pemex nor the Ministry of Energy has issued an official statement regarding the situation. This lack of communication raises questions about whether Mexico is on the brink of a fuel crisis. However, it is crucial for authorities to monitor the situation closely, as prolonged closures could lead to supply chain disruptions.
As of now, the situation remains fluid, and while it has not yet reached a crisis level, the implications of continued border closures could have far-reaching effects on fuel availability in Mexico. The government’s actions reflect a significant shift in policy aimed at tackling smuggling and ensuring compliance with import regulations.
The border closure comes at a time when Mexico is heavily reliant on the importation of refined gasoline from the United States, which underscores the importance of maintaining a steady flow of fuel across the border. Any delays or interruptions in this supply chain could have immediate impacts on consumers, particularly in areas that depend on road transport for their fuel needs.
In conclusion, the border closure and increased inspections are part of a broader strategy by the Mexican government to combat illegal fuel imports and ensure compliance with tax regulations. However, the ramifications of these actions could lead to significant challenges for fuel availability in the coming weeks, especially if the situation remains unresolved.
