Cuba Fuel Crisis: US Oil Blockade Sparks Humanitarian Concerns & Mexican Aid

Cuba Faces Humanitarian Crisis as U.S. Oil Blockade Tightens

Havana, Cuba – A deepening energy crisis is gripping Cuba as a U.S. Blockade restricts fuel supplies, prompting international aid and raising concerns about a potential humanitarian collapse. Two Mexican Navy ships arrived in Havana on Thursday, February 12, 2026, carrying much-needed humanitarian assistance, a response to escalating shortages and power outages across the island.

The arrival of the Mexican ships, the Papaloapan and Isla Holbox, comes after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened tariffs on any nation selling or providing oil to Cuba. This move has forced Cuba to ration energy, impacting transportation, hospitals, schools, and food production. The Mexican government stated one ship carried 536 tons of food, including staples like milk, rice, beans, and canned goods, alongside personal hygiene items. The second ship delivered over 277 tons of powdered milk.

“This is incredibly important aid for the Cuban people at this moment,” said Yohandri Espinosa, a 34-year-old engineer in Havana, observing the unloading of supplies. “We are living through difficult times of great need and uncertainty, and we don’t know how long we will be like this.”

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has labeled the U.S. Actions an “energy blockade,” asserting it severely disrupts critical infrastructure. Cuban aviation officials recently warned airlines of insufficient fuel for refueling, leading Air Canada to suspend flights and other carriers to announce delays and layovers in the Dominican Republic. This disruption poses a significant threat to Cuba’s tourism economy.

The situation has drawn international concern. U.N. Secretary-General Stéphane Dujarric expressed extreme concern about the humanitarian situation, warning it could worsen or “collapse” if Cuba’s oil needs are not met. He noted the General Assembly has consistently called for an end to the U.S. Embargo for over three decades and urged dialogue and respect for international law.

Mexico has been vocal in its criticism of the U.S. Policy. President Claudia Sheinbaum, speaking earlier this week, described the sanctions as “very unfair,” stating, “It’s not right, because sanctions that affect the people are not right. You can agree or disagree with Cuba’s government, but the people should never be affected.” Sheinbaum announced further aid shipments would follow the initial delivery.

Pavel Martínez, a Havana resident, echoed this sentiment, stating, “The country is going through a very complicated situation. With the United States blocking fuel, practically the entire economy stops. I think Mexico is doing a good deed for us regardless of the commercial contract that exists.”

Cuba’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Ernesto Soberón Guzmán, emphasized Cuba’s resilience in the face of adversity. “The words that are in our dictionary are ‘resistance,’ ‘resilience,’ ‘find solution for our problem,’” he said. He condemned the U.S. Actions as a violation of international law, questioning the justification for the fuel blockade and the claim that Cuba poses a threat to U.S. National security.

Soberón Guzmán also highlighted the restrictions placed on Cuban diplomats in New York City, limiting their movement to a 25-mile radius around Columbus Circle, a measure he described as part of a broader U.S. Policy of aggression against Cuba. He further criticized the U.S. Campaign against Cuba’s medical cooperation programs, which provide healthcare assistance to countries around the world.

The ambassador pointed to the U.S. Decision to include Cuba on a list of state sponsors of terrorism, leading to the cancellation of thousands of visas for European tourists and impacting Cuba’s tourism revenue. He emphasized that Cuba’s medical missions are established through agreements between Cuba and recipient countries and will continue as long as both parties agree.

Soberón Guzmán acknowledged the overwhelming international solidarity Cuba has received, particularly from Russia and Mexico, and expressed readiness for dialogue with the U.S. Based on mutual respect and sovereignty. He stated that the recent events in Venezuela, including the alleged abduction of President Nicolás Maduro, were a violation of international law and part of a broader effort to destabilize the region.