Mexico's state oil company, Pemex, is embarking on what its director, Raúl Muñoz Leos, describes as its first-ever `systematic strategic plan to discover and export non-associated natural gas.' The aim of the plan is to replace the natural gas that Mexico is currently importing, and become a leading competitor in the supply of natural gas to such importing states as California.
Mexico currently has to import 20% of the natural gas it consumes. Pemex expects to make it self-sufficient within seven years, and an exporter thereafter. Private firms will be invited to take part in joint ventures with Pemex. News of this triggered the predictable reaction from the opposition, which accused the government of attempting `backdoor privatisation'.
Both Muñoz Leos and public service minister Eduardo Romero have been at pains to explain that everything is being done in accord with current legislation. Romero went as far as to state that President Vicente Fox is pursuing a `nationalist' oil policy.
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