Mexico City (January 8, 2025).- 10:03 hrs. President Claudia Sheinbaum acknowledged that the sale of ‘huachicol’ (stolen fuel) is taking place on certain highways across the country and stated that the National Guard is addressing the issue.
Sheinbaum, while at an event in Mexico City, acknowledged the existence of this illicit activity. She emphasized that the National Guard is working to combat and prevent these types of operations.
"The issue of huachicol is unfortunate, but we are addressing it," the president said.
Selling stolen fuel, also known as ‘huachicol’, is a significant problem in Mexico. It often involves the illegal tapping of pipelines owned by the state-owned Petroleum Processing and Petrochemicals Company (Pemex).
According to recent reports, the National Guard has been conducting operations to dismantle these illicit networks and has seized hundreds of thousands of stolen fuel gallons in the past year.
Ashish Misra, security analyst and expert in organized crime, commented, "The presence and action of the National Guard in these areas can serve as a strong deterrent, but it is essential to implement long-term strategies to eradicate this problem entirely."
In recent years, fuel theft has cost Pemex and Mexican taxpayers millions of dollars. It also poses a significant risk to the environment due to the pollution caused by the illegal practices.
