Mexico decrees expropriation of Air Liquide hydrogen plant
The Air Liquide logo is displayed in Bouliac, near Bordeaux, France, September 16, 2019. REUTERS/Regis Duvignau/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights
MEXICO CITY, April 18 (Reuters) - Mexico's government on Thursday published an order in its official gazette decreeing the expropriation of a hydrogen plant at a Pemex state oil refinery that was sold to French firm Air Liquide (AIRP.PA) under the previous administration.
Mexican officials ordered a temporary occupation of the facility in December and in February declared the U-3400 unit at Pemex's Tula refinery in Hidalgo state a public good, preparing the way for its formal expropriation.
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Oil refineries use hydrogen to reduce the sulfur content in petroleum products, especially diesel.
The decree calls on Pemex to compensate Air Liquide, but does not detail the amount.
Paris-based Air Liquide did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment.
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Reporting by Raul Cortes and Ana Isabel Martinez; Writing by Sarah Morland; Editing by Aida Pelaez-Fernandez and Barbara Lewis
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