Pemex reported a diesel spill at its Deer Park refinery in Houston, Texas, on April 13, 2026, caused by a collision between two private vessels during cargo operations. The company confirmed the spill has been contained, with cleanup efforts expected to take approximately two days, according to Expansion MX and Lopez Doriga Digital.
The spill prompted Pemex to activate safety protocols and immediately notify the U.S. Coast Guard, which is actively monitoring and coordinating the response to ensure both environmental safety and navigational security. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also confirmed the spill is under control, as reported by El Financiero.
Authorities have deployed containment barriers in the canal near the refinery to manage the spread of diesel and prevent further environmental impact. Local authorities have been kept informed throughout the ongoing cleanup operations, with community alerts issued to maintain public awareness, according to Aristegui Noticias and Lopez Doriga Digital.
The incident has not affected navigation channels, and response teams continue to oversee the situation closely to prevent escalation. The cleanup is anticipated to conclude within two days, with Pemex and U.S. agencies collaborating on post-cleanup assessments and monitoring.
Going forward, officials will watch Pemex's adherence to environmental protocols and effectiveness in spill management, with potential evaluations of vessel traffic procedures at the refinery to prevent similar incidents. The coordination between U.S. and Mexican authorities in managing cross-border environmental risks remains a critical focus.
Deer Park
Pemex
Texas
Claudia Sheinbaum
