Mexico has significantly reduced gasoline imports from the United States since Andrés Manuel López Obrador was sworn in as president on December 1, according to a United States research firm. The period in which they were cut back partially coincides with the current widespread fuel shortage that the government has explained is the result of López Obrador’s decision to close several major petroleum pipelines as part of the strategy to combat fuel theft. A Pemex spokeswoman said the slowdown in U.S. gasoline imports in January was due to seasonal factors, noting that December is usually the month when gasoline is most in demand in Mexico. There are other factors that appear to be contributing to the prolonged fuel shortage. Published yesterday afternoon, the story triggered intense debate on social media about the root cause or causes of the gasoline shortage.

Source: Wall Street Journal January 12, 2019 21:19 UTC