The dark side of payments at Pemex: when collecting becomes a challenge
Imagine having delivered your work, your effort and your dedication, only to be told that to collect what is yours, you must let out a “moche”. That’s how it is! Pemex suppliers are facing this unfair reality, where they demand up to 30% of their debts just to be prioritized in payments. Does it seem incredible to you? Unfortunately, it is the harsh truth that affects hundreds of businessmen in Mexico.
The voice of those who live it: testimonies that hurt
One of these brave suppliers, who preferred to keep his identity confidential for fear of reprisals, shared with REFORMA how his payment was conditioned: “If you wanted to be on the first list, you had to pay 10% of what they owed you.” But that’s not all, other colleagues of his faced even more abusive requests: 30%! Where is the ethics? Where is the law?
Coparmex has not remained silent. Juan José Sierra, its president, raised his voice to denounce this corrupt practice that is repeated in cities such as Ciudad del Carmen, Tapachula, Pachuca and Reynosa. “It is unacceptable that companies have to resort to this to collect what they are entitled to,” he declared firmly. And he is absolutely right: behind every unpaid bill there are families, dreams and jobs at risk.
An urgent call for transparency
The solution, according to Sierra, is clear: Pemex must make its debts transparent and publish specific payment dates. This would prevent these acts of corruption that are suffocating micro, small and medium-sized businesses, the heart of the Mexican economy. The officially reported debt is 404 billion pesos, but according to Coparmex calculations, it could exceed 2 trillion pesos! A figure that puts the survival of thousands of businesses in check.
Even President Claudia Sheinbaum intervened, asking suppliers not to use “coyotes” to collect. But the problem goes further: why do these intermediaries have to exist? The answer is simple: because the system is broken, and as long as there is no clarity, the abuses will continue.
The time to act is now
This is not just an issue of numbers, it is an issue of dignity and justice. Every peso unfairly withheld means lost jobs, truncated dreams and a country that does not advance. Enough of the moches! Enough of corruption! It is time for Pemex to assume its responsibility and pay those who have given it their trust and work.
If this topic infuriates you as much as it does us, share this information. Let’s make noise so that things change. Do you want to know more about how corruption affects companies? Explore our related content and join the conversation for a fairer Mexico. Your voice counts!
#TransparencyNow #PemexMustPay
