Mexico discovery strengthens Eni portfolio
European firm returns oil from block acquired in landmark bidding round. But progress towards first production at Zama faces renewed uncertainty
Offshore Mexico was already a key component of the upstream strategy of Italian E&P company Eni. But another important discovery in the region, announced on 17 February, means its involvement is set to significantly deepen. The assets it acquired in the country’s first bidding round—launched under former president Enrique Pena Nieto to end the hegemony of state-owned energy giant Pemex and fast-track offshore oil production—achieved start-up ahead of schedule last year and is progressing towards its target of 100,000bl/d oe. The arrival of oil means Eni has been able to turn its attention back to its exploration programme, in the blocks awarded in Mexico’s second bidding round. A consort
Also in this section
19 March 2026
The regional crisis highlights the undervalued role of fixed pipelines in the age of tanker flexibility
18 March 2026
Rising LNG exports and AI-driven power demand have raised concerns that US gas prices could climb sharply, but analysts say abundant shale supply and continued productivity gains should keep Henry Hub within a range that preserves the competitiveness of US LNG
18 March 2026
Risks of shortages in oil products may cause world leaders to panic and make mistakes instead of letting the market do what it does best
17 March 2026
The crisis in the Middle East has put LNG’s ability to offer security and flexibility under uncomfortable scrutiny
