Pemex reports surge in illegal pipeline taps across Mexican states

Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex) detected a sharp rise in illegal taps on its hydrocarbon pipelines during the first quarter of 2026. In the State of Mexico, 189 unauthorized perforations were recorded – a 99% increase over the same period in 2025 – concentrated in municipalities such as Axapusco (48), Huehuetoca (30) and Otumba (28). The State of Mexico ranked third nationally for illegal taps, while Hidalgo led the country with 986 incidents, followed by Jalisco, Puebla and other states.

Overall, Pemex reported 3,836 illegal taps nationwide in the first four months of 2026, up 3.7% from 3,699 in the comparable 2025 period. Michoacán showed the highest percentage growth, a 155.6% increase to 23 taps. Other states with notable rises included the State of Mexico (+68%), Puebla (+38%) and Jalisco (+26%). Security operations seized ten LPG‑filled tank trucks, a tractor‑truck, several vans, a car and a motorcycle, and recovered approximately 6,450 liters of LPG from three depots.