PEMEX confirms fuel oil spill in Salina Cruz, Oaxaca; claims leak is controlled

Petróleos Mexicanos (PEMEX) has confirmed a significant fuel oil spill in Salina Cruz, Oaxaca, after a containment loss in a fuel oil pipeline. The viscous black liquid spread through streets in at least three neighborhoods, causing alarm among residents.

PEMEX reported that it immediately suspended operations in the affected transport system to depressurize the line and mitigate the hydrocarbon flow. The company stated that the emission has been controlled and the spilled product is being recovered. Technical teams closed the pipeline's exit valve, and specialized personnel are working to collect the fuel oil that contaminated the ground and pavement.

The incident occurred amidst rains from the passage of Tropical Storm Boris. Residents of the Jesús Rasgado neighborhood were particularly alarmed by the spill, which originated from a PEMEX pipeline connecting the refinery to the Maritime Terminal. Spills and leaks are reportedly a frequent occurrence along the trans-isthmic corridor, which hosts multiple oil pipelines.

Coordinated support from various security and aid agencies, including the National Guard, the Secretariat of National Defense, local police, firefighters, and Civil Protection, is assisting PEMEX in its containment and recovery operations.