In 2025, Mexico has significantly ramped up its subsidized hydrocarbon shipments to Cuba, with recent operations far exceeding those of previous years, according to a report released this Saturday. An investigation by Mexicanos Contra la Corrupción y la Impunidad (MCCI) disclosed that between May and June this year, Pemex logged 39 shipments to the island, amounting to a total value of $850 million, which is approximately 16 billion pesos.
The volume exported in just this period — 10.2 million barrels of crude oil along with 132.5 million liters of jet fuel, diesel, and regular gasoline — nearly matches the cumulative value of shipments made over the previous two years, which totaled $1 billion between July 2023 and September 2024. According to foreign trade records reviewed by MCCI, these operations were conducted through Gasolinas del Bienestar S.A. de C.V., a Pemex subsidiary established to export hydrocarbons to the island. This was despite a directive from the National Institute of Transparency for the oil company to disclose specifics like quantities, costs, and those responsible, following complaints of lack of transparency.
Export Operations and Controversies
Most shipments departed from the Coatzacoalcos customs area in Veracruz, while one shipment left the port of Tampico, Tamaulipas, carrying 6.8 million liters of diesel. Satellite tracking confirmed that shipments continued into July. On August 11, the Cuban tanker Sandino was noted to be anchored off the Pemex maritime terminal in the Laguna de Pajaritos, Coatzacoalcos, where shipments are loaded. The vessel had previously departed from Havana on June 27.
The Cuban state company Coreydan, S.A., listed as the importer of these operations, is based in an office on Calle Amistad 552 in Central Havana, which also houses CUPET (Union Cuba-Petróleo), the state enterprise that oversees the island's petroleum industry, according to the report. In a June 19 shipment comprising eight million liters of gasoline, Mexico's Secretariat of Foreign Affairs (SRE) was even recorded as the importer, as per customs documents.
Energy Cooperation Amid Economic Strife
These movements underscore the close energy cooperation between Mexico and Cuba at a time when the island is grappling with severe economic and energy crises, characterized by prolonged blackouts and fuel shortages. Furthermore, Mexico's actions come despite recommendations from the United States, which in 2023 canceled an $800 million loan to PEMEX after discovering that the administration of Andrés Manuel López Obrador had been gifting fuel to the Cuban regime.
In February, it emerged that PEMEX faced a debt exceeding $300 million due to oil shipments to the island over the past two years. While Mexico denies giving away fuel to Cuba, the increase in shipments has raised questions about the payment methods.
Questions and Answers on Mexico-Cuba Oil Shipments
What is the value of the oil shipments from Mexico to Cuba in 2025?
In 2025, the value of oil shipments from Mexico to Cuba reached $850 million between May and June.
Which Mexican company handles the export of hydrocarbons to Cuba?
The exports are managed by Gasolinas del Bienestar S.A. de C.V., a subsidiary of Pemex.
What was the response of the United States to Mexico's oil shipments to Cuba?
In 2023, the United States canceled an $800 million loan to PEMEX due to fuel being gifted to Cuba by the Mexican government.
How has Mexico justified the increase in oil shipments to Cuba?
Mexico has denied giving away fuel to Cuba, though the specific details of payment methods remain unclear.