The Energy Workforce & Technology Council (EWTC) has formally called on Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to address long-standing and growing non-payments by PEMEX to critical oilfield service providers.
In a letter delivered this week to President Sheinbaum, EWTC outlined urgent concerns from its member companies, who together account for more than 60% of PEMEX’s contracted oilfield services work. The Council warned that continued delays in payment, totaling over $1.2 billion USD for 2024 and 2025 alone, are threatening the viability of operations, workforce stability, and future investment in Mexico’s energy sector.
“Energy Workforce members have a long history of operating in Mexico and remain committed to continuing to do so,” said EWTC President Tim Tarpley. “But service providers cannot continue operating under such extreme financial uncertainty. We are urging President Sheinbaum to engage directly with PEMEX leadership and the Secretary of Energy to resolve these issues as soon as possible.”
According to the letter, PEMEX owes EWTC companies an estimated (in USD):
$871 million for services rendered in 2024 that remain uncollectible without the required COPADES documentation
$983 million for work completed in 2025, including unpaid and unbilled services
$2.5 billion in additional contracted work scheduled for 2026
EWTC is requesting immediate action on three key fronts:
Recognition of Past Debts – Issuance of COPADES to validate and process outstanding invoices
Access to COPADES System – Full vendor access to the digital invoicing portal to ensure transparency and accountability
Clarity on Future Payments – A clear timeline and payment mechanism to restore operational stability
EWTC emphasized that service disruptions could begin if the situation remains unresolved, directly impacting energy production in Mexico.
“We’re not asking for special treatment, we’re asking for fair treatment,” said Tarpley. “Our companies have worked in partnership with Mexico for generations, investing in local talent, supporting communities, and helping build a strong national energy system. But no company can continue operating indefinitely without being paid. This situation puts energy production in the country at risk.”
EWTC emphasized that service disruptions could begin if the situation remains unresolved, directly impacting energy production in Mexico. EWTC and its members are seeking a high-level dialogue to resolve these matters collaboratively and ensure the long-term health of Mexico’s oil and gas sector.
