Mexico's state-run energy company said it's focusing on production of fuels at five domestic refineries in an effort to wean itself from imports.

Mexico relies on imports from its North American counterparts for some of its energy needs. Last year, the United States exported 658 trillion cubic feet of natural gas to the Mexican market, a 6 percent increase from the previous year.

State-owned Petroleos Mexicanos, known also as Pemex, said it's spending $2.5 billion to upgrade domestic refineries to produce more diesel and gasoline. The effort could cut back on Mexico's imports from the United States and eventually lead to fuel exports.

Lawmakers in Mexico are putting the final touches on plans embraced by President Enrique Peña Nieto aimed at drawing international energy companies into the nation's energy sector. The move opens Mexico up to private investors after more than 70 years under a monopoly controlled by Pemex.

The country's energy sector accounted for more than 10 percent of export earnings last year.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration, the statistical arm of the energy department, said Pemex reforms are starting to result in their desired effect.