Mexico’s Energy Sovereignty and National Strategy

On March 18, 2026, during the 88th anniversary of the Mexican Oil Expropriation, President Claudia Sheinbaum reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to strengthening Mexico’s energy future and sovereignty.

Speaking from Pueblo Viejo, Veracruz, the President emphasized that advancing national energy sovereignty requires increasing domestic production of natural gas and expanding renewable energy sources, while continuing oil production and refining. She highlighted that although Mexico has reduced gasoline imports through infrastructure projects such as new and rehabilitated refineries, the country still imports approximately 75% of its natural gas—making domestic production a key priority moving forward.

The administration will continue to strengthen state-owned enterprises, including Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex) and the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE), positioning them as central pillars of the nation’s energy strategy. These efforts aim to ensure reliable energy supply while also reducing environmental impact through the promotion of renewable energy.

As part of this strategy, the government announced the creation of a new advisory body, the Petroleum Advisory Commission, which will analyze national and international trends in the hydrocarbons industry and provide strategic recommendations for decision-making. The commission will be led by Cuauhtémoc Cárdenas, a prominent advocate for energy sovereignty.

The President also highlighted recent progress, including a reduction in Pemex’s debt, near-complete payments to suppliers, increased refining capacity, and growth in fertilizer production. Officials noted that these achievements reflect broader reforms aimed at restoring the role of public energy companies in national development.

Overall, the government’s approach combines strengthening public institutions, expanding domestic energy production, and investing in renewable sources to secure Mexico’s long-term energy independence and sustainability.

Latina Republic is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that tracks government initiatives across Latin America and the Caribbean. We feature official updates on immigration, the economy, social welfare, environmental policy, and cultural stories, filling critical information gaps to highlight the region’s diversity, resilience, and wealth of lived experiences.