Oil Theft, Energy Security and Energy Transition in Mexico

Vlado Vivoda (), Ghaleb Krame and Martin Spraggon
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Vlado Vivoda: Research and Innovation Centre, Rabdan Academy, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 114646, United Arab Emirates
Ghaleb Krame: Research and Innovation Centre, Rabdan Academy, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 114646, United Arab Emirates
Martin Spraggon: Research and Innovation Centre, Rabdan Academy, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 114646, United Arab Emirates

Resources, 2023, vol. 12, issue 2, 1-15

Abstract: Oil theft refers to the exploitation of crude oil or refined petroleum products for criminal purposes. In Mexico, oil theft—referred to as huachicolero—is endemic and widespread. By framing it within the energy security and transition context, this paper offers a new perspective on the problem of oil theft in Mexico. Focusing on crude oil and refined petroleum, the paper demonstrates that Mexico’s energy security—as framed around the 4As (availability, accessibility, affordability, and acceptance)—has deteriorated over the past decade. Application of the 4As framework in the Mexican context shows that the increasing frequency of oil theft has contributed to this deterioration. The proposed solution to the energy security and oil theft problems is centred on Mexico moving from gasoline and diesel to electrification in the transportation sector. The paper demonstrates that, while transport electrification in Mexico has been lagging behind other countries, recent developments in the country point to growing momentum among the country’s political and business elites, in tandem with US partners, in support for the energy transition. Areas where further emphasis should be placed to accelerate Mexico’s energy transition in the transportation sector are identified. Finally, the feasibility of and potential limitations associated with implementing the transition are evaluated.

Keywords: Mexico; oil theft; energy security; energy transition; electrification (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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