Russia Seeks Energy Partnership with Mexico
Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev confirmed the country’s readiness to collaborate with Mexico during a recent statement:
“We are already working with Mexico. We have excellent LNG technologies, and we are ready to share these technologies and supply LNG as well,” Tsivilev said.
The move signals Russia’s intention to diversify its energy export markets and deepen bilateral relations with Mexico—an emerging player in North America’s energy ecosystem.
Mexico’s Heavy Reliance on U.S. Gas
Mexico currently imports approximately 72% of its natural gas, primarily from the United States, with the majority of it transported via pipeline networks. This imported gas is critical for electricity generation and various industrial applications, placing Mexico in a vulnerable position when geopolitical or supply chain disruptions occur.
Russia’s offer comes at a time when Mexico is seeking ways to diversify its energy sources and reduce dependency on a single supplier, particularly given the volatility of global energy markets in recent years.
Pemex Moves to Boost Domestic Production
State-owned oil company Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex) is also taking steps to increase domestic output. In May, Pemex announced it was reopening a portion of its 30,000 oil wells, one-third of which had previously been shut. The goal is to meet a production target of 1.8 million barrels per day (mmbbl/d).
This move complements Mexico’s broader energy strategy of boosting local capacity while also securing foreign partnerships for critical resources like natural gas.
Strategic Gas Storage Expansion
In line with efforts to bolster energy resilience, Mexico has also been accelerating plans to double its strategic gas storage capacity by 2025–2026. This initiative is designed to shield the country from future supply disruptions and mitigate the risks posed by geopolitical tensions or natural disasters.
According to a January report by Reuters, the expansion will be a crucial step toward improving energy security and strengthening the country’s infrastructure for emergency preparedness.
Outlook
Russia’s proposal could mark a new chapter in Mexico’s energy diversification efforts, though it also introduces diplomatic considerations, particularly in light of global tensions involving Russia and Western allies. Nevertheless, both nations appear poised to explore mutual benefits through cooperation in LNG trade and energy technology transfer—an area that may evolve significantly in the years ahead.