Mexico is facing rising pressure as it looks for a way to send fuel to Cuba without triggering trade penalties from the United States. Cuba is currently dealing with serious fuel shortages that are affecting electricity supply, transportation, and daily life. At the same time, the United States has warned that countries supplying fuel to Cuba could face tariffs.
Mexican officials are holding frequent discussions with US counterparts to better understand how broad these tariff threats are. The goal is to find a path that allows fuel deliveries to continue while avoiding economic consequences for Mexico. For now, it remains uncertain whether a solution will be reached.
The White House has referred to comments by US President Donald Trump, who said Mexico would stop sending oil to Cuba, without explaining why. Requests for comment from several US and Mexican government offices have not received immediate responses.
Cuba’s Fuel Shortage and the Halt in Supplies
Cuba relies on imported fuel for about two-thirds of its energy needs. Fuel is essential to keep power plants running, transport systems operating, and services like hospitals and food distribution functioning. In recent months, shortages have worsened, leading to frequent power outages and long lines at gas stations.
Previously, Venezuela was a major fuel supplier to Cuba. These shipments stopped after the United States blocked Venezuelan oil tankers in December and following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in early January. This sudden disruption left Cuba with limited alternatives.
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After Venezuelan shipments ended, Mexico became Cuba’s largest fuel supplier. Mexican crude oil and refined products helped support electricity generation and transportation across the island. However, this role brought Mexico under increased pressure from Washington.
In mid-January, Mexico halted shipments of crude and refined fuel products amid warnings from the United States. Washington later threatened tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba, stating that Cuba poses an “extraordinary threat” to US national security, a claim that the Cuban government has denied.
Tariff Threats and Ongoing US-Mexico Talks
The United States has warned that tariffs could be imposed on countries that continue supplying fuel to Cuba. Tariffs are taxes on imported goods and could have serious economic consequences. For Mexico, this is a major concern, as the United States is its largest trading partner.
Mexican officials are now seeking clarity on what actions could trigger these penalties. Talks between Mexico and the United States are happening frequently, sometimes almost every other day, according to sources familiar with the matter. Mexico wants to avoid tariffs while continuing to support the Cuban population.
Inside Mexico, there is political pressure not to abandon Cuba during a crisis. The country has long maintained close historical and ideological ties with the island, adding to the sensitivity of the issue.
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Humanitarian Aid Option and Growing International Concern
As a possible solution, Mexico is considering sending fuel as part of humanitarian aid. This could involve dispatching a tanker carrying gasoline along with food and other essential supplies. Such shipments would be classified as humanitarian assistance rather than commercial fuel exports.
President Claudia Sheinbaum has warned that imposing tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba could lead to a humanitarian crisis. She has said fuel shortages directly affect hospitals, food supply, and basic public services, and that such outcomes should be avoided through dialogue and respect for international law.
Cuban authorities have said they are preparing plans to deal with what they describe as acute fuel shortages and will release details soon. The situation on the island continues to worsen as fuel supplies remain limited.
The United Nations has also raised alarms. UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that Cuba risks a humanitarian collapse if it does not receive enough fuel to meet basic needs.
Sources involved in the talks say discussions are progressing and there is hope an agreement can be reached. However, no final decision has been announced. Fuel shipments remain paused as negotiations continue and Cuba faces ongoing power outages and fuel shortages.
