MEXICALI – The diesel crisis in Mexicali, the capital of Baja California, has yet to end.
Although a tanker ship carrying fuel docked Saturday at the Pemex plant in Rosarito Beach, which stocks the entire state, diesel has yet to make it to Mexicali via a dedicated pipeline.
Mexican sources said it takes about two days to carry the 150,000 barrels of diesel Mexicali consumes every week through the 93-mile pipeline over the La Rumorosa pass to Mexicali.
The fuel is in the pipeline, but Mexicali marked the 10th day of its fuel crisis yesterday. Gas station owners estimate the problems should be resolved by Friday at the latest.
Cargo haulers have felt the greatest effect of the diesel shortage because trips have been pushed back or canceled, representatives of trade organizations said.
What little diesel some stations have is being used mainly for urban public transit and emergency and maintenance vehicles so that city services can continue. It is similar to the situation in Tijuana last week.
Rodrigo Llantada, an executive with the Mexicali Association of Gas Stations, said that of the 53 stations that sell diesel in Mexicali, only two or three had any for sale yesterday.
Pemex, the national oil monopoly, has rationed some supplies to these stations, Llantada said, delivering about 5,300 gallons to each to ensure public transit doesn't grind to a halt.
Llantada said that Pemex's logistics have failed and that no one there has taken responsibility for the problems or offered an explanation.
Omar Millán González is a contributor to the Union-Tribune's Spanish-language newspaper, Enlace.
