Running on Fumes: A Critical Look at Mexico's Natural Gas Transportation and Distribution Infrastructure

摘要

Since the advent of neo-liberalism in Mexico nearly 30 years ago, the country has seen sustained economic growth, particularly in the service and industrial export sectors. There is potential for this growth to continue and for Mexico to become one of the 10 largest economies on the globe, but for this to happen there will need to be reliable and widespread access to energy. Natural gas is rapidly becoming the predominant energy source in Mexico, but the future of the natural gas industry there is in doubt. This paper assesses the status of Mexico's natural gas industry, particularly with respect to transportation and distribution infrastructure, against current and projected demand. The role and impact of Mexico's state-owned petrochemical company, both past and present, are examined, as well as the influence of government policies and politics. The paper arrives at conclusions regarding the adequacy of Mexico's existing natural gas infrastructure and ends with recommendations as to how leaders in government and industry can bring about needed changes to both preserve and enhance the natural gas industry and the nation's overall economy.