As Cuba grapples with widespread blackouts and a deepening economic crisis, Mexico has sent nearly half a million barrels of crude oil and diesel in recent days, according to oil shipment data obtained by The Associated Press.
The support comes as shipments from Russia and Venezuela, which have historically sustained the island’s energy needs, have significantly diminished. “Mexico is now crucial because Venezuela has reduced its supplies to Cuba, and Russian oil is virtually absent,” stated Jorge Piñon, senior research fellow at the University of Texas at Austin’s Energy Center, which monitors these shipments. “Today, Mexico’s oil deliveries to Cuba are extremely important.”
Approximately 412,000 barrels of crude oil from the state-run oil company Pemex arrived in the port city of Cienfuegos early Thursday or late Wednesday night. In addition, 67,000 barrels of diesel were sent on Wednesday night and are expected to reach Santiago de Cuba early next week.
Piñon estimated that this recent shipment, valued at around $31 million, adds to over $300 million worth of fuel sent from Mexico to Cuba since the beginning of 2023. After a six-month pause during Mexico’s presidential campaign, oil shipments have resumed under the newly inaugurated President Claudia Sheinbaum.
Sheinbaum confirmed the shipments during a morning news briefing, stating, “We are going to support Cuba. Even if they criticize it, we are going to show solidarity.” Cuban authorities did not respond immediately to inquiries about the shipments.
The oil delivery arrives during a critical time in Cuba, where extensive blackouts left 10 million residents—already struggling with economic hardships—without power for several days earlier this month. Rising gas prices have further inflamed public dissatisfaction, leading to protests as Cubans struggle to afford basic necessities like eggs and chicken.
Cuba’s government attributes its difficulties to the U.S. economic embargo, while also acknowledging that its power grid is in disrepair. The government has historically relied heavily on fossil fuels, depending on Venezuela until its ongoing crisis disrupted supplies, and on Russia, which had previously sent significant fuel aid.
However, that support has dwindled, with only a single shipment of 119,000 barrels from Russia arriving in September being the first in months.
Cuban Minister of Energy and Mines Vicente de la O Levy recently stated that the government is in discussions with Russia, Venezuela, and Colombia for additional support. Nonetheless, he indicated that even with these talks, the government would only have half of what it needs to maintain power during peak hours.
While Mexico has long been a supporter of Cuba and critic of U.S. sanctions, it remains unclear if the oil provided is a donation or sold at reduced prices.
Credit: ABC News
