Mexico is preparing to ship humanitarian aid to Cuba as part of its ongoing efforts to support the impoverished island nation. President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on Friday that Mexico would deliver “mainly food and some other supplies they have requested” by Monday at the latest. She emphasized that diplomatic efforts were still underway to resume oil shipments, despite pressure from Washington.
US President Donald Trump has vowed to cut off Cuba of its heavily discounted oil supply, which comes largely from Venezuela. Venezuelan leader was ousted in a US-led raid last month, leading to an energy crisis for Cuba. The country relies on discounted Venezuelan oil to fuel its power plants and keep the lights on amidst severe shortages.
Mexico stepped into the void left by Venezuela’s exit, supplying around $496 million worth of oil sales to Cuba annually, which accounts for less than 1% of Pemex’s production, Mexico’s state-owned petroleum company. However, the US is pressuring Mexico to end this aid, threatening further sanctions.
Sheinbaum highlighted that “obviously, we don’t want sanctions against Mexico.” In contrast, Sheinbaum’s remarks come amid reports from Agence France-Presse that Cuba faces a dire energy crisis exacerbated by fuel shortages. On Thursday, the US State Department announced it was providing $6 million in direct aid to Cubans through the Catholic Church.
The situation underscores the complex geopolitical landscape where humanitarian needs clash with economic pressures and sanctions in Cuba’s ongoing struggle against its oil supply issues.