In a country infamous for its drug cartels, Mexico has another booming black market,

petrol.

When you go to the retailers, they will bring big jugs like barrels to put it directly into your car,

or you can bring your little jog container and you can get it.

Fuel thieves known as Wachikoleros have been drilling down into the country's complex network of gasoline

pipelines for decades, but the problem has grown rapidly in recent years.

Drug cartels attracted by a product needed by many that doesn't have to cross a border

have nestling on the action bringing violence against both the police and rival factions into local communities.

It's had a huge impact.

San Martin used to be very peaceful, but now people from neighboring towns and regions don't come anymore out of fear.

From Mexico's new president launching an ambitious crackdown on fuel thieves to an explosion at a

pipeline that killed 135 people at the start of this year, the issue of petrol

theft is hitting headlines across the globe.

The pipeline apparently exploded hours after a thief drilled a tap into the pipeline.

But it's not just on the news where stories about what Chicoeleros can be heard.

Similar to the songs, stories and saints that have bolstered the drug trade and its notorious

kingpins over the decades, the actions of petrol thieves, the wachikoleros, are

inspiring a culture of their own. I'm Juan Polly and I'm in Mexico visiting local

communities to hear how they are channeling fuel theft into song, film and worship and questioning whether this swell of culture

is merely documenting real life or instead supporting a trade which is bringing violence, death and fear into the lives of Mexicans.

This is praying for petrol on the BBC World Service. Yes, dear.

Thank you.

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