One hundred sixty-two wells were drilled in Mexico during 1949, representing an increase of 100 per cent over 1948. Fifty, or 30.9 per cent of the total number of wells drilled, were exploratory tests; of these, 14 (28 per cent) were completed as producers.

Discoveries made during 1949 included one oil field, 2 gas and distillate fields, 4 oil pools, 3 gas pools, and 4 extensions. Two of the new fields were found through reflection-seismograph work and the third by surface geologic surveys; the new pools and field extensions were found by various methods, including subsurface geology, seismograph, and electrical-resistivity surveys.

Surface geology and geophysical exploration declined from the 1948 level but are scheduled for re-expansion in 1950. Drilling also is expected to increase during 1950; the program for the year calls for 300 new wells.

Crude oil and distillate production during 1949 was 60,896,660 barrels, the largest amount produced in any year since 1927. Of the 1949 total production, 95.4 per cent was produced by Petroleos Mexicanos and 4.6 per cent was produced by other operators.