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Mexico grants new fuel import permits

  • Mercados: Oil products
  • 09/02/26

Mexico's energy ministry Sener has granted three new fuel import permits, among the first issued in years, marking a regulatory shift that could begin to reshape the fuel market.

The new permits, issued on 6 February, allow additional private-sector companies to import gasoline and diesel directly. Until now, fuel import permits were largely concentrated among state-owned Pemex and a limited group of large international firms, including Valero, Shell, Marathon, Koch, ExxonMobil, in addition to Mexico's Grupo Simsa.

The companies granted the latest permits are Alveg, Petrotal and L.E. International, according to Sener documents seen by Argus. At least two of these companies operate as fuel marketers or wholesalers, supplying retail stations.

The issuance of new permits does not immediately signal a wave of market participants importing product on their own, but it broadens the pool of potential importers and could gradually diversify supply channels. Some fuel retailers may also seek to obtain import permits going forward, according to market sources.

Private-sector companies started importing fuel into Mexico in 2016 after the market opened to more competition, but under former president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's administration, Sener cancelled dozens of fuel import permits in 2022. Last year, Mexican company Grupo Simsa gained a new fuel import permit.

Fuel specs under review

Mexican authorities are evaluating changes to product classifications governing imported fuels, a move that could further alter market dynamics.

Mexico's 2016 framework regulating fuel specifications does not clearly distinguish between finished fuels and blendstocks, such as gasoline awaiting additives. A proposal by the national energy commission (CNE) seen by Argus would introduce more detailed definitions, including specifications for blendstocks such as naphthas and oxygenates.

Clearer product classifications could expand the range of fuel products imported into Mexico and increase domestic blending activity, potentially offering greater flexibility to market participants with import permits.


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