Transportation of fuels in Mexico: maps, congestion points, and logistics costs (Technical guide for logistics companies)

Date:September 2025Author:María Gamba

Introduction

In 2025, the transportation of fuels in Mexico has become a key issue within national trade and logistics. Factors such as the increase in domestic demand, recent regulatory changes, the modernization of port and land infrastructure, and the need to guarantee a safe and constant supply, make logistical efficiency more critical than ever.

This article analyzes the main routes, operational challenges, and strategies to optimize fuel distribution, offering a complete overview for companies in the logistics sector.

Overview of fuel transportation in Mexico

Fuel transportation involves several integrated modalities:

• Maritime:Tanker ships connecting import and export ports with strategic terminals.
• Pipelines:Transporting large volumes from refineries to distribution centers in a continuous and safe manner.
• Land:Tanker trucks delivering fuel to service stations and industries.
• Railway:Used for large volumes on routes where pipelines are not available or are insufficient.

Key players:Pemex and its commercial arm PMI, port operators, private distribution terminals, specialized carriers, and regulatory authorities.

Relevance of fuel transportation in 2025

The issue is especially relevant this year for several reasons:

1. Growth in domestic demand:Economic recovery and increased industrial activity increase fuel consumption, which demands more agile logistics chains.
2. Infrastructure modernization:New terminals, port expansions, and pipeline upgrades require logistical coordination to optimize supply flows.
3. Regulatory and commercial changes:Recent policies on the import and export of fuels affect routes, volumes, and dispatch priorities, making it necessary to plan in advance.
4. Security and resilience of the chain:The prevention of risks in land and sea transport has become a priority in the face of security incidents and natural phenomena.
5. Logistics competitiveness:Companies that achieve efficiency, traceability, and punctuality strengthen their position with industrial clients and service stations.

Main routes and operational challenges

• Pacific (Lázaro Cárdenas, Manzanillo, Salina Cruz):Congestion in port maneuvers and limitations due to the draft of large ships.
• Gulf (Veracruz, Tuxpan, Altamira):Delays due to high demand and climatic factors, especially hurricanes.
• Central (CDMX, Puebla, Querétaro):Saturation of distribution terminals and urban traffic, requiring micro-logistics planning.
• North (Tamaulipas, Nuevo León, Sonora):Security challenges on highways and the need for rail transport for large volumes.

Strategies to optimize fuel logistics

1. Diversification of routes and suppliers:To reduce dependence on a single port, pipeline, or carrier.
2. Strategic inventory management:Maintaining sufficient reserves to guarantee continuous supply.
3. Digitalization and traceability:Real-time monitoring of each shipment and route management.
4. Security and regulatory compliance:Clear protocols to prevent incidents in land and sea transport.
5. Optimization of urban deliveries:Use of adapted vehicles and schedule planning to reduce delays in congested areas.

Conclusion

In 2025, fuel transportation in Mexico is at a critical point: increasing demand, infrastructure modernization, and regulatory changes require logistics companies to be more strategic and efficient. Control Terrestre, with its experience in specialized transportation and logistics, offers solutions adapted to these challenges, ensuring that the fuel supply is safe, agile, and reliable for the Mexican industry.

What to take into account?

Fuel transportation in Mexico demands an integrated, resilient, and highly visible operation. For Control Terrestre, the right mix of route diversification, digitalization, strategic reserves, and flexible contracts will be the key to turning logistical complexity into a competitive advantage.

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