Pemex faces protest over hydrocarbon spill at Playa Chipehua, Oaxaca

Residents and fishermen in the coastal community of Playa Chipehua, Oaxaca, blocked the Huatulco‑Salina Cruz highway on August 7 to demand an inspection and cleanup of hydrocarbon residues that they say threaten marine ecosystems, fishing livelihoods and tourism.

The protesters called on Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex) to send representatives to determine the source and extent of the contamination. The incident follows recent reports of oil‑related spills along the Salina Cruz coast, prompting the creation of a local coordination committee for hydrocarbon spill response.

Local authorities have been urged to act quickly to protect the environment and the economic activities that depend on the beach.