The once-thriving oil capital of Mexico, Ciudad del Carmen, Campeche, is struggling to stay afloat due to the persistent decline in crude oil production caused by the operational and financial woes of state-owned Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex).
Gonzalo Hernández Pérez, president of the Campeche Energy Cluster and vice president of the Business Coordinating Council (CCE) of Ciudad del Carmen, paints a dire picture: “We’re living in a state of uncertainty, with no reliable information on when or how Pemex’s problems will be solved.”
The discovery of the Cantarell megafield in 1971 marked the beginning of an oil boom that would transform Mexico and the municipality. However, the decline of this vital field and others has accelerated, taking a toll on Pemex’s operating and investment resources.
Hernández Pérez attributes the crisis to the Peña Nieto administration’s failure to implement effective financial and operational strategies, which worsened during the current government’s tenure under President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. He claims that the government’s policies have favored a mentality that viewed private companies as inherently fraudulent, leading to halted construction programs and delayed payments.
“This has created a terrible struggle for business owners, who must constantly hope for payment,” Hernández Pérez lamented. “It’s not an act of charity; it’s an act of justice.”
The lack of resources, budgets, and accumulating arrears in payments have further exacerbated the situation, with large, medium-sized, and small companies facing a constant battle to survive.
Hernández Pérez emphasized the need for Pemex to have trained personnel capable of addressing its challenges, given the ongoing dependence on hydrocarbons. He advocates for an analysis that would involve experienced individuals planning for the next 15, 30, or 40 years, ensuring a smooth transition when oil’s role diminishes.
In related news, Carlos Arjona Gutiérrez, president of the National Chamber of Commerce (Canaco) in Ciudad del Carmen, highlighted the severe impact of the crisis on commercial activities. He noted that the state relies heavily on the oil industry and that the current situation has disrupted all economic sectors.
Sales have plummeted by up to 70 percent for some merchants in the last quarter of 2024, leaving them struggling to pay for their December sales. Arjona Gutiérrez emphasized that even if Pemex made its payments, economic recovery would take several months for commercial and service sectors.
… And Merchants Suffer
Gutiérrez urged the State to diversify its economy, investing in tourism development to mitigate the effects of the crisis.
The Pemex crisis has far-reaching consequences, affecting not only the oil industry but also the broader economy of Campeche. The situation demands immediate attention and a comprehensive plan to address the challenges facing the state-owned company and the local business community.
Source: El Diario de Chuhuahua
