Background on the Comisión Nacional de Energía (CNE)
The Comisión Nacional de Energía (CNE) is a Mexican government body responsible for regulating and supervising the energy sector. Its recent decision to extend deadlines for QR code implementation on fuel transport vehicles is crucial for enhancing security and reducing theft in this industry.
Current Status of QR Code Implementation
According to industry experts, approximately 360,000 vehicles have complied with the QR code requirement out of a total of 1.2 million permits. This represents around 30% of the permitted vehicles transporting hydrocarbons, their derivatives, liquefied petroleum gas (LP), and petrochemicals.
Challenges in QR Code Implementation
- Delays by CNE and platform: The CNE and the platform used by companies to provide necessary information for QR code creation experienced delays. This resulted in complications for businesses trying to meet the deadline.
- Lack of specialized providers: Providers of GPS tracking services were not specifically trained for this task, causing further delays. Additionally, some transport routes do not yet have satellite detection or require updates.
CNE’s Response and Impact on the Industry
The Cámara Nacional del Autotransporte de Carga (CANACAR) met with CNE’s General Director, Juan Carlos Solís, to request an extension of the initial deadlines. This policy aims to improve fuel transport security and reduce theft, but rapid implementation could lead to technical issues causing vehicle detentions.
“While this policy undoubtedly aids in fuel traceability, its rapid implementation for such a complex and diverse sector should have allowed at least six months for permit holders, plus a trial period to address potential issues,” said Víctor Hugo Juárez Cuevas, CEO of De Edge Innovation.
Progress Among Different Vehicle Categories
Larger-scale transporters have made more progress due to fewer vehicles with these characteristics. Approximately 80% of permit holders have complied with the QR code requirement. However, smaller-scale vehicles and those involved in last-mile distribution face more significant challenges.
LP Gas Transport Update
The Asociación Mexicana de Distribuidores de Gas LP y Empresas Conexas (Amexgas) reported that over 30% of their vehicle fleet has met the QR code requirement. They aim to complete this obligation by January, as only one company, PCM de México, manufactures the balized components.
- Approximately 10,600 distribution vehicles for LP gas consumption in seven out of ten Mexican households have QR codes.
- There are 3,450 tractor-trailer permits and 32,101 distribution trucks (17,446 medium-capacity autotankers and 14,655 redistribution vehicles) still pending compliance with the CNE’s deadline.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the CNE’s role? The CNE regulates and supervises Mexico’s energy sector, including the recent decision to extend deadlines for QR code implementation on fuel transport vehicles.
- Why was the deadline extended? Due to delays caused by the CNE and service providers, as well as challenges in finding specialized GPS tracking services, the CNE extended the deadline to ensure a smoother transition.
- Which vehicle categories have made the most progress? Larger-scale transporters have made more headway, with around 80% of permit holders complying with the QR code requirement.
- What is the current status of LP gas transport vehicles? Approximately 30% of LP gas distribution fleets have QR codes, with the remaining vehicles expected to comply by January.
