Mexico’s Fuel Thieves Unfazed by Deadly Explosion

By David Alire Garcia

In Tlahuelilpan, Mexico, just days after a devastating explosion killed at least 117 people who were illegally siphoning gasoline from a pipeline, fuel theft continues to thrive. Reports indicate that illegal taps have returned, with soldiers discovering 15 new illicit openings on the same pipeline operated by Mexico’s state-owned oil company.

During a visit to the area, evidence of renewed fuel theft was clear: a recently dug hole leading to a valve buried underground, surrounded by discarded hoses and other debris. This situation presents a significant challenge for President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who has pledged to eliminate rampant fuel theft costing the government substantial tax revenues—around $3 billion last year alone.

Experts attribute the illegal activity to a mix of small-time thieves, organized crime syndicates, and corrupt employees within the oil company. Many crude operations involve night-time breaches of pipelines, with the stolen fuel eventually resold at gas stations, roadside stands, and markets.

In response to the ongoing crisis, President Lopez Obrador announced a crackdown on fuel banditry, shifting some fuel transport to tanker trucks, which led to shortages and long lines at gas stations. Although the situation has improved, reversing the entrenched culture of fuel theft, especially in Tlahuelilpan, remains difficult.

The town witnessed a tragic incident where about 800 residents, drawn by social media buzz about gasoline pooling from a tap, faced a deadly explosion. According to Marcelino Valdez, a local priest, while many support the president’s efforts, he doubts they will lead to swift change in a place where two-thirds of the population lives in poverty.

Residents often engage in fuel theft not out of desire, but due to the overwhelming corruption and injustice surrounding them. Hidalgo state, where Tlahuelilpan is located, leads the nation in illegal pipeline accesses, with 2,121 breaches reported last year alone. The state’s proximity to major pipelines and a significant oil refinery enhances the allure for thieves.

Another factor driving theft is rising fuel prices, exacerbated by previous government price hikes. Since President Lopez Obrador took office, over 550 individuals have been arrested for fuel theft, with initiatives such as freezing bank accounts and deploying military personnel to protect key facilities.

Despite focusing on organized crime, the president has voiced particular concerns regarding corrupt insiders at the oil company. Local authorities, like Tlahuelilpan’s mayor, have expressed skepticism about the involvement of company employees in these illegal activities, citing instances where they apparently enabled continued access to unlawful taps.

In addition to law enforcement actions, the government has introduced a scholarship program aimed at addressing the root causes of crime. However, locals remain doubtful that these efforts will deter young people from pursuing immediate monetary gain through theft, as some fuel thieves can earn significant daily incomes.

One poignant voice among the community is that of Magali Ortiz, who lost her husband in the explosion. She perceives fuel theft not as a crime but as a means of survival—a sentiment echoed by many in the town grappling with economic hardship.