Víctor Rodríguez Padilla, general director of Pemex, confirmed that the hydrocarbon spill in the Gulf of Mexico affecting Veracruz and other states' coasts originated from a leak in the Abkatún-Pol-Chuc pipeline. Authorities separated three officials for hiding information about the incident detected on February 6. The government initially denied Pemex's responsibility.
Víctor Rodríguez Padilla, general director of Pemex, revealed on April 17 that the hydrocarbon spill detected in the Gulf of Mexico originated from a leak in a 36-inch pipeline at the Abkatún-Pol-Chuc asset. The incident was identified on February 6 via an overflight showing oil presence near the platform, prompting immediate installation of containment barriers.
It took 48 hours to pinpoint the exact location due to the complex network of seabed pipelines. Divers confirmed the damage on February 8, starting repairs that concluded ten days later, though the main valve was not closed until February 14.
Rodríguez Padilla detailed irregularities: operational staff hid logbooks from eight vessels, denied the leak even in March when oil reached the coasts, and concealed recovery of at least 350 cubic meters of oily water. Eleven boats were deployed to contain and recover the hydrocarbon.
As a result, the subdirector of Safety, Health at Work and Environmental Protection, the marine control coordinator for spills, and the spills and residues manager were removed from their positions. Findings were referred to the General Prosecutor's Office and internal oversight bodies. Initially, President Claudia Sheinbaum, Governor Rocío Nahle, and Secretary Alicia Bárcena denied Pemex's involvement, attributing it to a ship and natural seepages, while InfodemiaMx labeled claims against the company as 'false'.
