Petroleum in Tabasco: Proposal for a periodization

Abstract

This article analyzes the discourse on the extraction of hydrocarbons, as presented in 67 annual reports by governors of the state of Tabasco from 1950 to 2008, comparing the evolution of state-level oil policies and international prices. Based on this analysis, the article proposes a four-stage periodization: “the takeoff” (1950-1973), “boom” (1974-
1985), “decline” (1986-1999) and “new petrolization” (2000-2008). One interesting finding is that negative issues are not mentioned when
oil prices are high, but they are often aluded to when governors are negotiating federal economic transfers in the years when oil production
is declining.