Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on Monday that her administration will not send oil to Cuba, as the island nation is currently receiving supplies from Russia.
Instead of sending fuel, Mexico is redirecting its efforts towards humanitarian aid, with a relief ship having departed for Cuba on the same day.
"Yes, they are getting oil from Russia, so we are focusing on other humanitarian support," President Sheinbaum stated during her morning press briefing at the National Palace.
Her statement ends, at least temporarily, months of uncertainty surrounding Mexico's potential fuel shipments to Cuba.
Back in late January 2026, Pemex canceled the Swift Galaxy tanker shipment to the island without an official public explanation. This occurred amid threats from former President Donald Trump to impose tariffs on any nation providing oil "directly or indirectly" to Cuba.
Sheinbaum previously defended these shipments as legitimate commercial and humanitarian agreements, emphasizing Pemex’s "sovereign decisions."
Nevertheless, the state-owned company did not resume shipments, not even when the Trump administration temporarily lifted tariffs on countries supplying fuel to Cuba—a window that lasted scarcely three weeks.
Under Sheinbaum's government in 2025, Mexico accounted for nearly 17% of Cuba's fuel consumption, with hydrocarbon exports reaching $560 million annually, averaging 17,200 barrels per day—the highest level in 25 years.
These shipments were managed by Gasolinas del Bienestar S.A. de C.V., a Pemex subsidiary created specifically for these operations, which was dissolved in May 2026.
Russian Oil Supplies and Cuba's Energy Crisis
The only significant energy relief for Cuba in 2026 came from Russia: the Anatoly Kolodkin tanker docked at Matanzas port on March 31 with 100,000 metric tons of crude—approximately 730,000 barrels—donated as humanitarian aid.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov acknowledged on April 15 that this aid "would likely last a couple of months," and by May, the shipment was dwindling without confirmation of new Russian deliveries.
Cuba's energy crisis worsens as Russian crude depletes. On Monday, the island projected a nighttime electricity deficit of 1,955 MW, with only 1,245 MW available against a demand of 3,200 MW.
Provinces such as Granma and Holguín experienced blackouts lasting up to 24 hours in early May, and Cuba has witnessed no less than seven total collapses of the National Electric System in the past 18 months.
Sheinbaum reiterated Mexico's longstanding opposition to the embargo since 1962 and vowed to continue non-oil aid.
"We will keep sending humanitarian aid to a people in need," the Mexican president affirmed, though she did not specify the goods included in the shipment that departed on Monday.
With Russian crude running out and no new shipments confirmed from any supplier, Cuba faces the risk of a complete energy collapse in the coming weeks.
Common Questions about Mexico's Stance on Cuba and Oil Supply
Why is Mexico not sending oil to Cuba?
Mexico decided not to send oil to Cuba because the island is receiving its oil supplies from Russia. Instead, Mexico is focusing on providing humanitarian aid.
What is the current energy situation in Cuba?
Cuba is facing an energy crisis with a projected electricity deficit and frequent blackouts. The depletion of Russian oil shipments exacerbates the situation, with no new supplies confirmed.
How has Mexico supported Cuba's energy needs in the past?
In 2025, Mexico covered about 17% of Cuba's fuel consumption through hydrocarbon exports managed by a Pemex subsidiary. However, these operations ceased in 2026.