Mexico's President, Claudia Sheinbaum, announced on Wednesday that her administration will persist in sending oil to Cuba, portraying it as "humanitarian aid." She acknowledged that Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex) also has commercial agreements with Cuban regime institutions.
During her morning briefing at the National Palace, Sheinbaum explained, “There are two channels through which oil is sent to Cuba. One involves contracts Pemex establishes with certain Cuban government bodies, where the oil company decides the timing of shipments. The other is humanitarian aid, which also includes oil among other items sent for humanitarian reasons.”
Sheinbaum dismissed rumors about halting the shipments, countering claims of a possible cessation following diplomatic pressure from the United States.
“I never mentioned whether it was stopped or not; that was a subsequent interpretation,” she quoted from the magazine Proceso.
The President defended the continuation of supplies to the Cuban regime, emphasizing it as a sovereign decision and asserting that Mexico “has always stood in solidarity with the world.”
“Humanitarian aid to Cuba, as well as to other countries, persists because it is humanitarian aid,” Sheinbaum reiterated, likening Mexican shipments to international donations of food or medical supplies to the island.
However, she did not specify the recent volume of oil sent or the precise economic or diplomatic terms. Previous reports from the Bank of Mexico and Pemex confirmed that over 3 million barrels of Maya crude were shipped to Cuba in the second half of 2025, offering temporary energy relief to Miguel Díaz-Canel's regime.
Sheinbaum’s statements come amid a tense atmosphere with Washington. Recently, Cuban-American Congressman Carlos Giménez condemned Mexico's energy support to Havana as “shameful,” warning that “every barrel of oil sent to Cuba strengthens a murderous dictatorship.”
Giménez urged the Donald Trump administration to address the issue in the renegotiation of the trade agreement with Mexico, stating, “Cooperation cannot be discussed while a partner funds the Castro regime.”
“I hope to meet with President Sheinbaum next week to make it clear that we want these shipments to cease. They are supporting a communist regime that oppresses its people," declared the Republican legislator from Florida.
In Cuba, Mexican oil shipments have emerged as the primary fuel source since Venezuela significantly curtailed its exports in 2025 following the collapse of Nicolás Maduro’s regime.
Without this supply, the island faces widespread blackouts, industrial shutdowns, and an unprecedented transportation crisis.
Impact of Mexico's Oil Shipments to Cuba
Why does Mexico send oil to Cuba?
Mexico sends oil to Cuba under the guise of humanitarian aid, while also engaging in commercial contracts with Cuban government institutions.
How has the U.S. reacted to Mexico's oil shipments to Cuba?
The United States, particularly through Congressman Carlos Giménez, has criticized Mexico's oil shipments to Cuba, labeling them as support for a dictatorship and calling for their cessation.
What is the significance of these oil shipments for Cuba?
Mexican oil shipments have become crucial for Cuba, especially after Venezuela reduced its oil exports, helping to alleviate the island's energy crisis temporarily.