4,000 TROOPS TO GUARD FUEL DEPOTS AMID THEFTS

MEXICO CITY Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has ordered helicopters and 4,000 troops to guard the nation’s pipelines and fuel depots in an offensive against massive fuel theft.

The helicopters are watching for organized gangs that drill illegal taps into underground ducts carrying gasoline and diesel. Long lines continued at gas stations Friday as tanker trucks struggled to supply fuel normally delivered through pipelines.

Most Mexicans understood the need to crack down on US$3 billion per year in fuel thefts, but patience was wearing thin. The head of Mexico’s employers’ federation said economic losses from fuel shortages now amount to over US$60 million due to transportation delays for goods and workers.