2025.09.14 – Claudia Sheinbaum, the Grito de Independencia, the Iztapalapa Gas Explosion, Carmen Aristegui, Gas Express Nieto, Pemex, and New Fortress Energy – My Diary

Key Findings

Claudia Sheinbaum, President of Mexico, prepared for her first Grito de Independencia in September 2025, facing both anticipation and criticism. Some critics used the phrase that the presidential chair “is too big for her,” though this appears to be a general political attack rather than a reaction to a specific action during the Grito. At the same time, a major tragedy occurred: the explosion of a gas pipa in Iztapalapa on 10 September 2025, owned by Gas Express Nieto, killing at least 11 people and injuring dozens. The company has a history of controversies, including the 2015 Cuajimalpa hospital explosion, regulatory fines, and long-standing links to Pemex. Carmen Aristegui, a well-known journalist, remains alive and active at age 61. In parallel, New Fortress Energy, an international energy company, faces severe financial distress, with warnings of potential bankruptcy, high debt, and downgrades, though as of mid-September 2025 it has not filed for bankruptcy. Its workforce has grown in recent years, and its salaries are reported as competitive, with some positions paying above industry averages.

Confirmed Facts

Claudia Sheinbaum, President of Mexico, confirmed that the Grito de Independencia ceremony would continue, urging Mexicans abroad to celebrate cautiously, especially in the United States. She carried out rehearsals from the National Palace balcony, ringing the symbolic bell and leading the honor guard. She announced that her first Grito would include new “vivas” and be austere yet musical. Commentators emphasized that she was the first woman in Mexican history to deliver the Grito as head of state. Some social media critics declared “the chair is too big for her,” though no concrete link to a specific Grito mistake has been established.
A tragedy overshadowed preparations: on 10 September 2025, a gas pipa exploded at Puente de la Concordia, near Iztapalapa and Chalco. The vehicle carried more than 49,000 liters of liquefied petroleum gas. The accident caused flames approximately 30 meters high. Initial reports counted eight deaths and ninety-four injuries; later tallies rose to at least eleven or thirteen fatalities, with dozens hospitalized for severe burns. Investigators believe excess speed caused the truck to lose control, strike a containment wall, rupture its tank, and release gas that ignited.
The driver of the pipa, identified as a 39-year-old man, survived but suffered burns over about 90 % of his body. He was transported to the IMSS Hospital Magdalena de las Salinas in critical condition. Authorities confirmed he was under police custody but not under formal arrest due to his health status. Toxicological tests reportedly showed no alcohol or drugs in his system. No evidence has emerged of psychological impairment, and investigators focus on excess speed and vehicle safety conditions as the main causes.
The pipa belonged to Gas Express Nieto (also called Gas Nieto), a company founded in 1939 in Querétaro. It operates over 35 distribution plants, more than 1,000 delivery vehicles, and employs around 4,000 workers. The firm has been controversial: it was responsible for the 2015 Cuajimalpa hospital explosion caused by a leaking hose, which killed infants and others. After that, the Energy Secretariat revoked its Tláhuac plant license. The company has received fines from Profeco for irregular gas delivery and has appeared in lists of distributors with high consumer complaints. It paid compensation exceeding 66 million pesos after the Cuajimalpa explosion.
Gas Express Nieto has longstanding ties with Pemex. Reports show it has won more than 100 Pemex contracts, often through direct awards. During Emilio Lozoya’s leadership of Pemex, analysts highlighted the company’s links to executives. In one case, Pemex even supported Nieto Trading in an overseas litigation. Allegations of favoritism have been published, though not all details are independently confirmed. However, no verified connections exist between Gas Express Nieto and New Fortress Energy.
Carmen Aristegui, a journalist, was falsely rumored dead in the past. She was born on 18 January 1964, making her 61 years old in 2025. She remains active and directs the outlet Aristegui Noticias. Rumors of her death are recurrent hoaxes without factual basis.
New Fortress Energy, a global energy firm involved in liquefied natural gas projects, has not filed for bankruptcy as of mid-September 2025 but faces acute financial distress. In its second-quarter 2025 report, it posted a net loss of about US$ 557 million, with revenues falling to US$ 301.7 million from US$ 428 million a year earlier. It is in violation of debt covenants, has delayed financial filings with the SEC, and has entered confidential negotiations with creditors. Fitch downgraded its rating to CCC, indicating very high default risk. Analysts argue that without refinancing or asset sales, bankruptcy is likely, with some describing survival as dependent on a “miracle.”
Regarding employment, New Fortress Energy reported 722 employees at the end of 2024, an increase of 6.65 % from the prior year. Reports show no confirmed large-scale layoffs in 2025, although there have been senior executive departures in Houston. Salaries are described as competitive: Indeed estimates an operator earns about US$ 24.15 per hour, roughly 28 % above the U.S. average for such work. ZipRecruiter lists averages in New York near US$ 100,973 annually. Glassdoor data shows Vice President salaries from US$ 203,000 to US$ 336,000. While compensation is considered strong in certain roles, there is no comprehensive study proving it always surpasses competitors such as Shell or Exxon across all levels.

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2025.09.14 – Claudia Sheinbaum, the Grito de Independencia, the Iztapalapa Gas Explosion, Carmen Aristegui, Gas Express Nieto, Pemex, and New Fortress Energy

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Published by Leonardo Tomás Cardillo

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Published by Leonardo Tomás Cardillo

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