Fuel traceability poses fiscal risks for Mexican energy firms

Fuel traceability is emerging as a significant fiscal risk for energy companies in Mexico. Experts warn that discrepancies between the volumes of fuel purchased, transported, and sold could lead to serious tax contingencies regarding the Special Tax on Production and Services (IEPS).

Marcial Díaz of Qua Energy noted that while authorities are increasing oversight to combat illegal fuel markets—following the seizure of over 59 million liters in Guanajuato—operational factors such as thermal variations, logistical shrinkage, and billing delays can create documentation gaps. These technical irregularities may be misinterpreted by authorities as tax evasion or smuggling if not properly reconciled with physical records.