SEATTLE (Oil Monster):Mexico’s energy balance in 2025 revealed a growing structural imbalance as the country reduced gasoline imports but increased its dependence on natural gas from the United States. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Mexico cut gasoline purchases from the U.S. by about 5% last year, averaging 446,000 barrels per day.
The decline reflects improved refining activity by state oil company Petróleos Mexicanos (PEMEX). The company reported that crude processing in its National Refining System rose sharply in late 2025, boosting petroleum product output to roughly 1.177 million barrels per day and gradually reducing the need for imported gasoline.
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However, the progress in refining contrasts with a record rise in natural gas imports. Pipeline gas deliveries from the United States averaged 6.638 billion cubic feet per day in 2025, covering about 77% of Mexico’s total gas demand of roughly 8.6 Bcf/d. This marked the third consecutive annual record for imports.
Analysts attribute the surge largely to expanding gas-fired power generation and rising industrial electricity demand, particularly in manufacturing hubs benefiting from nearshoring trends.
While new pipeline projects such as the Southeast Gateway have improved supply connectivity, experts warn that Mexico’s limited domestic gas production and lack of large-scale storage infrastructure continue to pose risks to long-term energy security.
