Amounting to 1 million barrels in the first four months of 2011 alone, the equivalent of 100 tanker trucks per day.
The cartels have been tapping into PEMEX pipelines, using multiple taps in case one is detected, and have even been restoring pipeline pressure with water to avoid detection. Despite the high risk, authorities are still finding hundreds of taps each year. 556 have been discovered so far this year.
PEMEX has filed lawsuits in May against nine U.S. companies for alleged involvement in buying or processing black market crude or refined Mexican oil. |