Pemex strategy fails to convince

Sceptical agencies consider further cuts to their ratings of the company's debt

Debt issued by Mexico's national oil company Pemex is at risk of losing its investment grade status—compounding the challenge of the firm achieving its twin priorities of reducing its considerable debt and reversing its declining oil and gas output. The economic policy direction of the country has also alarmed credit agencies. S&P highlights government restrictions on private investment, as well as the financial burden on Pemex, as key reasons for their one-in-three prediction that Mexican sovereign debt will be downgraded before the end of the year. $111.27bn – Pemex’s debt Pemex's debt came under attack in June. US ratings agency Fitch lowered its rating from BBB- to BB+, citin