Mexico auctions 15 new oil fields The Mexican government launched Tuesday a new auction for 15 oil fields, following the 2014 enactment of a historic energy reform bill that opened the sector to private investors for the first time since 1938. Officials were disappointed with the outcome of the first auctions for projects in shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico, with fewer investors than expected making bids as company earnings have been hit by falling oil prices. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES