Pemex’s Ambitious Plan to Boost Natural Gas Production by 27% by 2027

Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex) has unveiled a bold strategy to increase natural gas production significantly over the next three years.

The state-owned company aims to raise its output from 3,753 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) to 4,772 mmcfd by 2027. Víctor Rodríguez Padilla, Pemex’s Director General, announced this plan during a presentation at the National Palace.

He emphasized that natural gas will become a priority for Mexico’s hydrocarbon sector. This shift comes with a new tax structure, capping the state’s share at 11.63% of sales revenue.

The national production target, including private sector contributions, is set at 5,000 mmcfd by 2027. This represents a substantial increase from the current 3,857 mmcfd.

Pemex’s own production is expected to grow by 27 percent during this period. Rodríguez Padilla outlined several key elements of the strategy.

These include reducing gas flaring, maximizing gas recovery in specific fields, and developing offshore fields. The company also plans to reduce methane emissions, addressing environmental concerns.

Pemex’s Ambitious Energy Plans

Pemex reported a 22.7% increase in proven natural gas reserves between 2018 and 2024. The company has committed to maintaining proven, probable, and possible reserves at a level sufficient for at least ten years of consumption.

Energy Secretary Luz Elena González highlighted the government’s role in stabilizing oil production at 1.8 million barrels per day. She noted achievements in refinery rehabilitation and expansion, including the new Olmeca refinery in Tabasco.

The plan also encompasses petrochemical projects. Pemex aims to reactivate and expand production at several complexes. These efforts focus on increasing fuel and aromatics output, as well as boosting ethane-derived products essential for plastics manufacturing.

In addition, refining capacity is set to increase by 43,000 barrels per day. This expansion includes completing the Salina Cruz coker unit and fully operating the Olmeca Refinery.

The goal is to raise gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel production by 343,000 barrels daily, aiming for self-sufficiency. This ambitious plan reflects Pemex’s efforts to boost domestic energy production.

However, it faces challenges in implementation and environmental impact. The success of this strategy will be crucial for Mexico’s energy sector in the coming years.