Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas – FEMSA, the multinational beverage and retail company, announced that it convened with state authorities in Tamaulipas on Monday afternoon to develop strategies aimed at ensuring the safety of its employees. This meeting comes in response to the ongoing violence in Nuevo Laredo, which has significantly disrupted operations.
In a brief statement released by FEMSA, it was confirmed that all 191 Oxxo convenience stores and seven Oxxo Gas stations in Nuevo Laredo remain closed. This decision stems from the escalating wave of violence that has gripped the city, posing severe threats to both employees and customers.
The situation has been deteriorating for months, with criminal groups allegedly imposing stringent demands on Oxxo Gas. These demands included mandates to purchase gasoline from specific distributors, operate during designated hours, and adhere to certain pricing structures. Such conditions forced the closure of the gas stations six months ago, although they briefly reopened following negotiations with state authorities.
The tension escalated last week when two Oxxo employees were detained by criminals. The perpetrators demanded the employees provide information for undisclosed purposes, compelling FEMSA to shut down all its operational units in the city, encompassing both convenience stores and gas stations.
In a document signed by FEMSA’s Corporate Communications Department, the company expressed its hope for a swift restoration of security conditions that would enable the safe resumption of operations. “We are moving forward with actions that will allow us to guarantee the safety of our employees and resume operations. We will continue to report as long as the process allows it,” the statement read.
This development highlights the broader security challenges faced by businesses operating in regions plagued by organized crime. Nuevo Laredo, a key city along the U.S.-Mexico border, has been a hotspot for criminal activity, particularly involving drug trafficking and gang violence. The impact on local businesses, especially those with high public visibility like Oxxo, underscores the urgent need for effective security measures and collaboration between corporate entities and government authorities.
The outcome of the recent meeting between FEMSA and Tamaulipas state officials remains to be seen. However, the company’s proactive stance in addressing employee safety and the ongoing communication with authorities signal a committed effort to navigate this crisis. As the situation evolves, FEMSA’s approach and the authorities’ response will likely serve as a case study for other businesses facing similar challenges in volatile regions.
For now, the employees and patrons of Oxxo stores and gas stations in Nuevo Laredo await a resolution that will restore a semblance of normalcy to their daily lives. FEMSA’s continued engagement with state authorities and its transparent communication with the public will be crucial in managing this complex and precarious situation.