Oil giant Pemex fails to control methane emissions, threatening Mexico’s net zero goal

A Climate Home investigation shows Mexico’s state oil firm has struggled to cut its methane emissions as promised, risking the country’s net zero ambitions
A gas flare lights up the sky of Minatitlán, in Mexico’s oil-producing Veracruz state. Oil giant Pemex emissions threaten Mexico's net zero goal
A gas flare lights up the sky of Minatitlán, in Mexico’s oil-producing Veracruz state. (Photo: Juan Mayorga)
  • At a glance
    • Despite corporate promises to control methane emissions, Mexico’s state oil company Pemex has increased gas flaring and venting in the past decade, which could threaten the country’s net zero by 2050 goal.
    • While the company managed to reduce flaring in 2023, gas venting kept growing steadily in part due to constant leaks. Worn out infrastructure and recurrent accidents have originated leaks.
    • People living near methane sources such as refineries and petrochemical plants report health concerns, with symptoms such as dizziness, headaches and nausea. 

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