Pemex expects mixed contracts to account for 25% of production.

Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex) estimates that production through new joint ventures with private companies will represent up to a quarter of the nation's liquid hydrocarbon production: 450,000 barrels per day in 2033, according to the 2025-2035 Strategic Plan, so the selection of partners must be extremely thorough.

Starting in 2027, national production will reach 1.8 million barrels of liquid hydrocarbons per day, which includes Pemex's production alone, its production with its partners in contracts awarded between 2015 and 2017, production from mixed contracts, and production from third parties, which are the companies that won the bidding rounds prior to the previous administration.

"According to internal estimates, the 21 mixed-use development schemes could together contribute up to 450,000 barrels of oil per day at their peak," Pemex explains in its Plan. "This participation is important both for stabilizing base production and for offsetting the decline in mature fields and ensuring compliance with the country's energy supply commitments."

However, in the new collaboration model between Pemex and the private sector, there is a risk that companies without adequate capabilities, such as experience, resources, or sufficient financial support, will be invited into the new mixed contracts, according to experts on the subject.

Víctor Hugo Juárez Cuevas, CEO of the consulting firm De Edge Innovation, explained that according to the new Strategic Plan for Pemex 2025-2035, the new participants in the mixed contracts for the development of Pemex activities will be legal entities incorporated as commercial companies, while the contract assignments will be made by the Ministry of Energy, meeting the needs of the Mexican oil company.

These participants are exclusively legal entities incorporated as commercial companies under Mexican law. Partners must comply only with the provisions of the Law on Public Sector Acquisitions, Leasing, and Services, which means they may be considered only for participation in these assignments to companies by invitation or direct appointment.

This represents a major challenge not only for companies already participating in the sector, but also paves the way for new companies, which would have a huge impact on economic development, provided that new entrants have proven experience or resources.

"Otherwise, companies that, even if not newly established, lack the experience, resources, and financial support to engage in high-risk activities that could lead to the emergence of accidents or events with human, environmental, or financial impact would be participating in and benefiting from assignments and contracts. Or, if applicable, companies that, after the assignment or contract, would have to be revoked and sanctioned," he told El Economista.