President Claudia Sheinbaum announced this week that her administration is finalizing a new plan to achieve energy sovereignty in natural gas. The strategy aims to slash the country's heavy reliance on foreign fuel imports, which currently account for three-quarters of national consumption.
“To guarantee a sovereign country, among other things, we have to guarantee energy sovereignty,” Sheinbaum said during her morning press conference. “We are going to present the program for strengthening sovereignty in natural gas very soon.”
Mexico’s current demand for natural gas fluctuates between 8,000 and 9,000 million cubic feet per day. Despite the country's status as a major oil producer through state-run Pemex, domestic production has struggled to keep pace with industrial and residential requirements.
Shifting toward domestic supply
Data from the International Energy Agency highlights the scale of the challenge. In December 2025, U.S. natural gas exports to Mexico totaled 187,307 million cubic feet, averaging approximately 6,042 million cubic feet per day.
Sheinbaum emphasized that the government’s energy roadmap includes a dual approach. Beyond increasing domestic gas extraction, she intends to accelerate the integration of renewable energy sources.
“We have to strengthen sovereignty in natural gas and increase renewable energy sources, not only because they help the environment, but because they guarantee sovereignty,” the president stated. She cited the country's abundant solar, wind, and geothermal potential as key assets for the transition.
The administration’s push addresses a long-standing vulnerability in Mexico’s energy sector. During the March 18 commemoration of the oil expropriation, Sheinbaum acknowledged that the country relies on imports for up to 75% of its gas needs.
While previous administrations have attempted to lower this dependency, the current government is framing the issue as a matter of national security. Officials have yet to release the specific technical details or the timeline for the new infrastructure projects required to boost domestic output.