ABSTRACT
Mexico is in a unique position among large industrializing countries: its massive energy resource endowment is being developed within the framework of a diversified economic structure with historically high growth rates. Natural gas use is best understood within the context of manufacturing industry's size and growth. The flaring of natural gas in Mexico is the result of inadequate planning and a lack of coordination of investment programs in crude oil production facilities and in gas-gathering, processing, and transport systems. In world terms, Mexico is an important natural gas producer and only a minor participant in its international trade. Petroleos Mexicanos (PEMEX) is the largest natural gas consumer is Mexico. Production of ammonia and methanol is the most intensive natural gas-using activity within PEMEX. A gasoline/methanol mix for automobile use in high altitudes is under careful study; this mix could improve combustion and reduce pollution in the Mexico City metropolitan area.
