Mexico: The Government's Offensive Against Fuel Thefts Expands, As Do Shortages

From targeting operations at a single refinery, Mexico's government has since expanded its offensive against the deep-seated problem of fuel theft in the country by sending troops to scrutinize fuel refining and transport operations nationwide. Soldiers were deployed to every refinery in Mexico by Jan. 7, raising the likelihood of more widespread fuel shortages as a result of disruptions caused by the greater scrutiny. Shortages in central Mexican states due to operations against the thefts continued, with customers at fuel stations in Guadalajara, Morelia and other major central Mexican cities experiencing long lines amid reported price gouging....