Qué cambiará en la gasolina rumbo a 2026 | La Entrevista

In this interview, Roberto Díaz de León, a Mexican fuel entrepreneur and vice president of hydrocarbons at the Mexican Energy Council, discusses the key changes and challenges for the gasoline sector in Mexico as it approaches 2026. He emphasizes that the main challenge is integrating regulatory compliance into daily operations rather than treating it as an additional cost. He highlights the issue of fragmented over-regulation, where multiple authorities impose redundant requirements, and suggests solutions such as a single window for regulatory filings and a compliance certificate similar to tax status certificates. He identifies three critical areas of risk in fuel quality: product traceability, cross-contamination and on-site handling, and technical documentation. He notes that the biggest change in 2026 will be the way authorities supervise, with increased data sharing among agencies like SAT, CRE, and Profeco, and a focus on consistency between fiscal, technical, and operational aspects. He recommends best practices such as mapping regulatory obligations, integrating compliance into operational procedures, continuous staff training, and conducting internal preventive audits. He also stresses the strategic value of accredited laboratories and certified technical personnel. Regarding investments, he advises a balanced approach across technology, training, and specialized consulting, emphasizing that technology without training is useless. He calls for investments in storage, distribution, and transportation infrastructure, and notes that over 500 municipalities in Mexico still lack proper fuel stations. He predicts a 3% growth in the number of stations needed to keep pace with population growth. Overall, he is optimistic about the sector’s future, advocating for a long-term vision and professionalization.