Mexico’s Oil Shipments to Cuba Fuel Diplomatic Tensions and US Scrutiny
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Mexico is navigating a complex geopolitical situation as oil shipments to Cuba-a practice dating back to 1993-draw increasing criticism from Washington, particularly amid an energy crisis on the island and questions surrounding the nature of the aid.
The flow of hydrocarbons from Mexico to Cuba has become a focal point of international attention, escalating after the United States’ involvement in Venezuela disrupted the island’s energy supply. While Mexico has consistently supplied cuba with oil as 1993,shipments have substantially increased since 2024,framed by the Mexican government as both fulfilling existing commercial contracts and providing crucial humanitarian assistance. This dual narrative, however, has sparked accusations from some US lawmakers who allege the shipments are propping up the cuban regime.
A Growing Energy crisis and Mexico’s Response
Cuba has been grappling with a severe energy crisis for the past four months, even with continued supplies from Venezuela. The situation worsened in November 2024 with the devastation caused by Hurricane Rafael, prompting Mexico to increase its oil shipments. President Claudia Sheinbaum has consistently characterized these deliveries as a combination of humanitarian aid and pre-existing agreements between the state oil company, Pemex, and the Cuban government.
“Humanitarian aid to Cuba, like to other countries, continues because it is humanitarian aid and Mexico has always been in solidarity with the entire world and these are sovereign decisions,” sheinbaum stated during a recent press conference. Despite these assurances, a lack of openness from Pemex regarding the specifics of the shipments-including vessel manifests and quantities-has fueled skepticism.
Pemex’s Role and US Concerns
Pemex, Mexico’s state-owned oil company, began shipping hydrocarbons to Cuba through its subsidiary, Gasolina del Bienestar, in July 2023. According to a December report filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Pemex exported an average of 17,200 barrels of crude oil per day to Cuba in the first nine months of 2025, representing 3.3% of its total exports. The company maintains these are standard sales conducted in Mexican pesos and in compliance with all applicable laws.
Though, these figures are being challenged by outside observers. Private energy firms estimate that each vessel leaving Veracruz carries approximately 80,000 barrels of hydrocarbons, a figure that, even with recent reported suspensions, may not fully meet Cuba’s daily needs of 60,000 to 80,000 barrels. The loss of 35,000 barrels previously supplied by Venezuela has exacerbated the crisis, leading to widespread blackouts and soaring fuel prices on the black market. Former President Trump recently characterized Cuba as “a nation that is very close to collapse.”
Political Pressure and the USMCA
The escalating situation has drawn sharp criticism from Washington, led by Congressman Carlos Giménez, a Republican representing the Cuban diaspora in Florida. Giménez has accused Mexico of prioritizing its relationship with the Cuban government over its trade ties with the United States.He has specifically targeted the USMCA trade agreement, suggesting its upcoming review should be contingent on Mexico halting oil shipments to Havana.
“It truly seems that he values his relationship with the dictator Díaz-Canel more than his commercial relationship with the United States. This great betrayal will not be tolerated in the slightest,” Giménez asserted. He plans to visit Mexico City next week to directly appeal to President Sheinbaum, demanding an end to the oil deliveries, arguing they are sustaining an illegitimate regime that has not held elections in over 65 years.
The Path Forward
President sheinbaum has pledged that Pemex will release a comprehensive report on its activities next week, possibly addressing some of the concerns regarding transparency. However, the precise volume of Mexico’s oil “donation” to Cuba remains unclear. The situation highlights a delicate balancing act for Mexico, navigating its long-standing policy of non-intervention and humanitarian aid with the potential repercussions of escalating tensions with its most important trading partner. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether Mexico can appease Washington while continuing to provide support to Cuba during a period of profound economic and energy hardship.
