Fishermen have reported a new oil spill from the state-owned petroleum company, threatening marine wildlife along the Pacific coast, an area that is vital to the livelihoods of local coastal communities.
The leak occurred at a Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex) refinery in the port city of Salina Cruz, in the southern state of Oaxaca. The company stated on Sunday that the incident was under control.
Black oil stains covered the sand along the bay and the area surrounding several pipelines, according to observations by AFP. Brown-colored waves washed onto the beach, while the refinery’s towers could be seen in the background.
Pemex has already experienced other oil spills this year. One of them, in February, affected approximately 600 kilometers of coastline along the Gulf of Mexico.
“We are greatly affected because most of our work depends on the sea. We make our living through fishing,” fisherman Santiago Olivera told AFP on Tuesday.
The contamination of the coastal waters has forced fishermen to travel farther offshore, increasing the danger because their equipment “is not designed” for deep-sea operations, Olivera added.
The fisherman also noted that the spill comes during the oyster breeding season, which is essential to the local economy.
Recurring Incidents at Pemex
Fires have also frequently affected Pemex facilities. In 2026 alone, the company has recorded three major incidents, one of which resulted in five fatalities.
The company continues to face a severe crisis marked by declining production, insufficient investment, and a debt estimated at approximately $85 billion.
Source: eleconomista
