**CFE and Pemex to Become Public Enterprises**
In recent developments, Mexico is set to transform its state energy companies, Pemex (Petróleos Mexicanos) and the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE), into fully public enterprises. The decision aims to enhance transparency and regulation, ensuring that the interests of the Mexican people remain a priority.
President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that progress is being made at the Dos Bocas refinery, which is operating at approximately 80%. In a recent address, the Secretary of Energy, Luz Elena González Escobar, stated that Mexico currently produces about 90% of the gasoline it consumes. However, figures from Pemex indicate that from January to August 2024, the country produced an average of 298.7 thousand barrels of gasoline per day, which accounts for around 44.5% of domestic consumption.
The proposed constitutional reform seeks to reestablish Pemex and CFE as public entities under public law, restoring their roles as central national assets. This change includes encouraging private sector participation under a clear regulatory framework, aiming to propel the country towards clean energy while ensuring that CFE generates at least 54% of the nation’s electricity.
Historically, reforms began in 1992 when subsidiary companies started increasing private participation, potentially diluting public control over Mexico’s energy resources. By 2013, Pemex and CFE were restructured into state productive entities guided by commercial laws, which, according to some critics, limited their efficiency. Former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has been an avid proponent of readdressing this by advocating for reforms to the constitutional articles 25, 27, and 28. These amendments would ensure critical resources like lithium remain state-controlled and not subjected to monopolization.
Furthermore, the reform prioritizes electrical dispatch in favor of CFE and protects other strategic sectors, including internet accessibility. On October 9, the Chamber of Deputies overwhelmingly passed these constitutional changes, with 353 votes in favor.
In parallel legislative action, the Senate of the Republic has approved amendments to Article 123 of the Constitution. These modifications stipulate that minimum wages must always keep pace with inflation, and salaries for essential professions such as teachers, police, and healthcare workers should not fall below the average salary recorded by the Mexican Social Security Institute, IMSS, which stands at 16,777.08 pesos.
**Secondary Article: New Momentum in Mexico’s Energy Sector**
Mexico’s strategic shift in its energy landscape is gathering momentum. The nation’s commitment to transforming Pemex and CFE into public entities underscores a broader regional movement towards energy self-sufficiency and sustainability. As global markets grapple with fluctuating energy prices and supply chain disruptions, Mexico’s focus on leveraging its domestic resources positions it as a potential leader in clean and efficient energy production in Latin America.
This initiative is expected to not only secure energy independence but also bolster economic growth by creating jobs and enhancing infrastructure. Analysts suggest that by prioritizing cleaner energy sources, Mexico could significantly reduce its carbon footprint, contributing to international commitments on climate change.
With neighboring countries closely observing Mexico’s steps, it sets a precedent in the region for balancing state control with private sector innovation. The impact of this energy reform may resonate beyond Mexico’s borders, potentially influencing energy policies in other Latin American countries. As Mexico moves forward with these reforms, they hold the promise of reshaping the national and regional energy landscape for years to come.