To address its significant payment delays, Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex) began the process of settling debts to its suppliers by the end of 2023, giving priority to large oil service companies, according to Reuters. This approach is due to the direct relationship of these companies with hydrocarbon production. Despite these efforts, payments to other suppliers, including numerous small and medium-sized local companies, are still outstanding.
At the end of last year, Pemex's total debt stood at 106.8 billion dollars, a decrease of 4.13% compared to the previous year, but it is still a significant burden that makes it difficult to meet its financial obligations. Octavio Romero Oropeza, Pemex's director, assured in a press conference on January 4 that the company is taking steps to settle its outstanding debts, although he did not detail the exact amount owed to suppliers.
The Mexican Association of Hydrocarbon Companies (Amexhi) has expressed concern, indicating that the delay in payments represents a serious risk for the continuity of hydrocarbon projects in Mexico, as well as for the viability of the companies involved and the achievement of established production goals.
