Mexico's fuel import market is gradually broadening beyond a handful of multinational companies, as the government grants or reinstates permits to a growing number of private marketers and retailers.
Fuel import permits have remained heavily concentrated since 2021 during the administration of former president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, with most imports controlled by state-owned Pemex and a small group of international companies including ExxonMobil, Valero, Shell, Marathon and Koch.
But recent permit activity suggests the pool of authorized importers is slowly expanding. Companies including BP, Energas, Combustibles de Oriente, Petrotal, Noil and Jag Energy now hold permits allowing them to import gasoline, diesel or both products, according to energy ministry (Sener) records seen by Argus.
The shift does not yet represent a return to the broad market liberalization that followed Mexico's 2014 energy reform, however. Most recently issued permits are limited to shorter durations and smaller volumes than those awarded to major international companies, whose authorizations remain valid through 2038 and support large-scale import programs.
Among the most significant developments is the reinstatement of BP's gasoline and diesel import permits, which are valid through 2036. BP is already using the permits to supply its branded retail network of over 300 stations, although it has not yet resumed broader wholesale fuel sales, according to market sources.
Meanwhile, Grupo Simsa has strengthened its position with new gasoline and diesel import permits extending through 2045. The company currently imports roughly two medium-range (MR) tankers per month from the US Gulf coast.
Combustibles de Oriente has also secured sizable gasoline and diesel import permits through 2036, while commodity trader Glencore temporarily regained gasoline and diesel import permits, although those expired in May, according to Sener's latest records.
Smaller regional marketers are also entering the market. Petrotal, the wholesale arm of retailer Total Gas, holds permits allowing it to import gasoline and diesel to support stations near the US border in Chihuahua state. Jag Energy, a marketer with a strong presence in Sonora state, also holds fuel import permits that could support direct cross-border supply into northwest Mexico.
The growing number of permit holders could gradually increase sourcing options for retailers and marketers, particularly in northern border regions where access to US fuel supplies can offer alternatives to Pemex and other large wholesale suppliers.
