Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum affirmed on Wednesday that Mexico remains steadfast in its commitment to supply Cuba with oil and humanitarian aid. This comes as the island nation grapples with an energy crisis exacerbated by reduced Venezuelan supply and longstanding U.S. sanctions.
“If Mexico can contribute to improving conditions in Cuba, we will always stand by them. Our connection with the Cuban people, who endure significant hardships, is enduring,” Sheinbaum stated during her routine press briefing, as covered by EFE.
Sheinbaum clarified that the oil shipments are not at the expense of the Mexican populace, addressing critiques from opposition parties.
“It's not a burden because the amount is minimal; what is sent is a small fraction of our production, yet it represents a gesture of solidarity,” she explained.
Sheinbaum emphasized that the delivery of fuel and humanitarian aid is rooted in Mexico's foreign policy tradition since the U.S. imposed sanctions on Cuba in 1996, noting that every Mexican administration has maintained ties with the island.
She also highlighted that under Enrique Peña Nieto's presidency, a portion of Cuba's oil debt was forgiven, and that her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, continued oil shipments “under contract and for humanitarian reasons,” a policy her administration has chosen to uphold.
The Mexican president reiterated that this cooperation aligns with the “fraternity” that characterizes Mexico's foreign policy.
“And this must not fade away,” she emphasized.
Mexico has emerged as Cuba’s primary supplier of oil and related products, enhancing its geopolitical influence in the region.
According to the University of Texas Institute for Energy, as cited by EFE, the Ocean Mariner vessel delivered approximately 86,000 barrels of fuel from Mexico to Havana's port just the second weekend of January.
This decision by Mexico's leader comes amidst U.S. President Donald Trump's warnings that “there will be no more oil or money for Cuba.” However, the United States is currently allowing Mexico to continue its fuel supplies to Cuba. The question remains: for how long will this continue? It's a question many ask, yet no one seems to have an answer.
Understanding Mexico's Oil Support to Cuba
Why is Mexico supplying oil to Cuba?
Mexico supplies oil to Cuba as part of its longstanding foreign policy of solidarity and humanitarian assistance, particularly in light of Cuba’s energy challenges exacerbated by U.S. sanctions and reduced Venezuelan oil supply.
How does this impact Mexico's geopolitical standing?
By becoming the main oil supplier to Cuba, Mexico has strengthened its geopolitical influence in the region, leveraging its role to advocate for humanitarian and foreign policy objectives.
What are the criticisms regarding Mexico's oil support to Cuba?
Critics argue that Mexico's oil support to Cuba could be at the expense of its own resources, although the government clarifies that the amounts are minimal and intended as a gesture of solidarity.