SNE inspections of fuel stations: scope and records

Resolution MIPRE-2026-0022448, published in Official Gazette 30545-E on June 12, 2026, approved the National Energy Secretariat’s (SNE) inspection procedure for regulated agents in the fuels, hydrocarbons and alternative-energy markets. It applies to activities subject to Cabinet Decree 36 of 2003 when an agent holds contracts, permits or registrations under that framework. The resolution took effect upon promulgation. Read the resolution and its attached procedure.

The procedure does not define one identical document package for every station, and a folder of records does not by itself guarantee certification. An inspection checks the rules that apply to the agent and the scope relevant to the case.

Identify the type and scope of the visit

Article 5 distinguishes ordinary, extraordinary, follow-up, documentary and specialized technical inspections. It also provides for technical visits, which are generally coordinated with the agent and are not necessarily enforcement inspections unless possible violations, risks or other conditions found during the visit warrant further action.

At the start of an inspection, the procedure says officials must identify themselves with their institutional badge and explain the purpose of the visit. Article 6 also requires them to provide a copy of the inspection authorization signed by the National Secretary of Energy. The inspected agent must provide reasonable access, present requested documents and allow the applicable checks.

Records that may be reviewed

Depending on the scope, Article 8.2 lists categories that may be checked: permits and registrations, certifications, insurance policies, calibration certificates, operating records, maintenance controls, sanitary documentation, quality certificates, reports and inventories. These are possible categories within an inspection; the list does not mean every record applies to every agent or facility.

Station systems that may be checked

For technical and operational reviews, the procedure calls for a case-specific checklist. Its listed areas include infrastructure, tanks, dispensers, piping, fire-protection and electrical systems, measuring equipment, dispensing systems, storage and operating conditions, signage, industrial safety, fuel quality, water or other contamination, and geolocation.

The resolution refers to complementary technical guides. Its annex to Official Gazette 30545-E lists GT-EDS-01 and GT-EDS-02 under the same title, “Technical Guide for Inspection of Service Stations.” Because of that duplication, ask the SNE for the current code, version and document for the specific inspection; do not infer acceptance criteria that the published procedure does not specify.

A practical way to organize records

The following is an internal recommendation for locating existing evidence quickly, not an official form or a complete list of legal duties:

• Organize applicable permits, registrations, certificates and reports by station and asset.
• Keep calibration certificates, tests and technical interventions with their date, identified equipment, result and open items.
• Maintain operating and maintenance records that show who performed each activity and what remains unresolved.
• Assign a contact who knows the facility, can coordinate access and can locate available records.

Record findings and closeout

Articles 8 to 11 provide for recording findings in an Acta de Diligencia, supporting them with photographs, videos or other available evidence, and documenting any applicable actions. At the end, the official requests a signature from the representative present and gives them a copy of the record. The final report identifies the agent, date, location, participants, findings, evidence, observations, recommendations and required actions.

Use the record and report to track each action, its owner and closeout evidence. A visit or a folder of records does not replace any test, permit or authority decision that applies to a specific system.

To organize maintenance history by asset and document the work performed, see the Master University maintenance guide.