The Covid-19 pandemic dealt a substantial blow to Mexico’s natural gas demand between April and July, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

Mexico change natural gas consumption

Gas consumption in Mexico averaged 8.2 Bcf/d during the period, down 5% or 0.5 Bcf/d from the same span last year, EIA said last Thursday, citing data from Genscape Inc.

The largest reductions occurred in May, when consumption across all sectors averaged 7.8 Bcf/d, down 10% year/year (y/y), researchers said. They noted that natural gas in Mexico is consumed primarily by the power generation and industrial sectors.

Gas-fired power plants accounted for the largest share of the decline in May, with their consumption averaging 14% (0.6 Bcf/d) less than in May 2019.

The countrywide generation load declined by 11%,...