From the Field

Ultra-low-sulphur diesel rule scaled back in Mexico

MEXICO CITY, December 31, 2018 – A new rule banning diesel with sulphur content of more than 15 parts per million will take effect tomorrow across Mexico, except in the country’s Bajio and Central regions, international media reported on Friday.

The requirement was initially set to apply to the entire country starting January 1. However, the Tula and Salamanca refineries, located in the excluded areas, are not yet capable of producing diesel meeting the specifications. The two regions, which contain parts of nine states, will have six more months to comply with the new regulation, S&P Global Platts said.

“This exclusion will fulfil the objective of guaranteeing the reliable supply of diesel in the region without undermining the environmental norms in fuel emissions,” a statement by Mexico’s Energy Regulatory Commission said.