Guanajuato ranks second in Mexico for clandestine fuel taps

Guanajuato has become the second state in Mexico with the highest incidence of clandestine fuel taps, according to an analysis of Pemex operations. During the first half of the year, 470 illegal connections were located, with monthly figures peaking at 108 in April.

Pénjamo recorded the highest number of municipal incidents with 172 taps, followed by Villagrán, Cortazar, Apaseo el Grande, and Apaseo el Alto. In Salamanca, where the Ingeniero Antonio M. Amor refinery operates, 21 perforations were detected during the same period.

Authorities from Mexico and the United States have identified organized crime cells operating near refineries. The U.S. Treasury Department has noted a dispute between the CJNG and the Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel over control of the hydrocarbon business in the region. The Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel, led by José Antonio Yépez Ortiz, has been sanctioned by OFAC, with fuel theft identified as a primary source of its illicit income.