Mexico's Fracking Ban Falls Short of Energy Independence

The Mexican government has imposed a ban on fracking in one of its crowded basins, but this move does not end the debate over the practice. The area is home to many indigenous communities and large freshwater supplies, making it unsuitable for fracking due to environmental and social concerns.

Mexico still relies heavily on imported gas from US shale fields, with cross-border pipelines carrying over 6.5 billion cubic feet of natural gas every day. This meets about 75% of Mexico's daily gas consumption, leaving the country vulnerable to fluctuations in global energy markets.

The government has suggested focusing on conventional wells instead of fracked ones, but even this approach would not significantly reduce imports. An expert panel advising the government is keeping a window open for further study and potential use of fracking in areas with salt water basins, which are thought to hold significant shale reserves.