PE Live: Mexico’s downstream dilemma

Offshore production may be steadily climbing but lack of infrastructure and unclear offtake legislation threatens further growth

Private sector oil and gas production in Mexico is poised to significantly ramp up over the next five years, with operators making headway on blocks acquired in the country’s historic energy reforms. Recent upstream success has also showcased Mexico’s credentials as an exploration hotspot, paving the way for even more drilling.    But as key offshore projects reach startup—including the shallow-water Saasken and Zama fields—and drilling campaigns rumble on, operators are waiting to hear how the government will resolve offtake to the midstream and downstream sectors, agreed a panel of experts on a PE Live webcast in early November. “My concern would be if Mexico tries to force upstream produc