The Mexican state-owned oil company, Pemex, has decided to drop the name 'Gasolinas Bienestar', a crucial subsidiary involved in shipping fuel to Cuba, amidst political tensions and pressure from the United States.
According to El Financiero, the company rebranded the subsidiary as Servicios Logísticos Integrales Mumiya, effective March 31, 2026. This decision was endorsed by shareholders and authorized by the Ministry of Economy.
This change signifies more than just a rebranding. Over recent years, Gasolinas Bienestar served as the primary channel for exporting oil and derivatives to the island, which is grappling with one of its worst energy crises, characterized by prolonged blackouts and fuel shortages.
Additionally, at the same shareholder meeting, the powers granted to Víctor Manuel Cruz Martínez, who had been appointed as the company's proxy via a public deed in November 2025, were revoked, as reported by Debate.
In 2025, Mexico had supplied Cuba with 15,000 barrels of crude oil per day and over 2,000 barrels of petroleum products through this subsidiary. These transactions amounted to approximately $500 million, a substantial figure for sustaining the Caribbean nation's energy supply.
However, the situation shifted recently. The Mexican government halted oil shipments to Cuba following tariff threats from U.S. President Donald Trump, adding a geopolitical layer to the decision to restructure this enterprise.
At that time, Mexico was Cuba's primary oil supplier, covering about 44% of its imports with around 17,200 barrels per day.
Although Pemex claims that the new name reflects a shift toward broader logistical functions within the energy sector, the removal of the 'Bienestar' name—associated with former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador's administration—and its ties to Cuba is noteworthy.
Between 2023 and 2025, Mexico exported oil and derivatives to Cuba worth a cumulative $1.5 billion, during a period when the Cuban population was experiencing frequent blackouts, transportation shortages, and deteriorating living conditions.
The cessation of Mexican supply, coupled with the halt of Venezuelan shipments following Nicolás Maduro's capture, has precipitated an unprecedented energy crisis on the island. Cuba owes Mexico an estimated $1.54 billion for crude and diesel shipments between May and November 2025.
The only partial relief came when the United States permitted a Russian vessel carrying 730,000 barrels to dock at Matanzas port on March 31, as a temporary humanitarian exception.
By early May, that oil had also run out. Díaz-Canel recently warned that reserves were depleting with no confirmed new shipments, as Cuba faces power outages lasting up to 40 consecutive hours and generation deficits exceeding 1,440 megawatts.
Understanding the Impact of Pemex's Decision on Cuba
Why did Pemex change the name of its subsidiary?
Pemex rebranded 'Gasolinas Bienestar' to Servicios Logísticos Integrales Mumiya as part of a strategic decision approved by shareholders and the Ministry of Economy, amidst political tensions and pressure from the U.S.
What was the role of Gasolinas Bienestar in Cuba?
Gasolinas Bienestar was the primary vehicle for exporting oil and derivatives to Cuba, playing a crucial role in supporting the island's energy supply during its severe energy crisis.
How has the halt in Mexican oil shipments affected Cuba?
The suspension of Mexican oil shipments, alongside the cessation of Venezuelan supplies, has led to an unprecedented energy crisis in Cuba, with severe power outages and fuel shortages.