Mexico Weighs Fuel Shipments to Cuba Amid US Tariff Threat | Reuters
- Mexico City – Mexican officials are working to find a way to continue supplying fuel to Cuba, a nation facing acute shortages, while avoiding potential tariffs from the...
- According to four sources familiar with the matter, high-level Mexican officials have been in communication with their U.S.
- Cuba is currently experiencing a severe energy crisis, with the government on Thursday, February 5, 2026, announcing preparations for “acute fuel shortages” and promising to release a detailed...
Mexico Navigates U.S. Tariff Threat to Maintain Fuel Supply to Cuba
Mexico City – Mexican officials are working to find a way to continue supplying fuel to Cuba, a nation facing acute shortages, while avoiding potential tariffs from the United States. The U.S. Has threatened to impose tariffs on countries that provide oil to the Caribbean island, which Washington claims poses an “extraordinary threat” to U.S. National security – a claim Havana disputes.
According to four sources familiar with the matter, high-level Mexican officials have been in communication with their U.S. Counterparts to clarify the scope of the potential tariffs and explore options for delivering much-needed fuel. It remains uncertain whether a solution will be found.
Cuba is currently experiencing a severe energy crisis, with the government on , announcing preparations for “acute fuel shortages” and promising to release a detailed plan in the coming week. The island nation imports fuel for approximately two-thirds of its energy needs and is grappling with worsening power outages and long lines at gas stations.
The situation has been exacerbated by the cessation of oil shipments from Venezuela following a U.S. Blockade of Venezuelan tankers in December and the capture of President Nicolas Maduro in early January. This left Mexico as Cuba’s primary oil supplier. However, the Mexican government halted shipments of crude and refined products in mid-January, reportedly due to pressure from the Trump administration.
“You’ll see talks happening almost every other day,” one source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said. “Mexico doesn’t want tariffs imposed, but it is also firm in its policy of helping the Cuban people.”
The White House, the U.S. State Department, and the Mexican presidency have not yet responded to requests for comment. Mexico’s Foreign Ministry stated it has no information on the matter.
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres this week warned that Cuba risks a humanitarian “collapse” if it does not receive sufficient oil supplies. The potential for a widespread crisis is impacting essential services, including hospitals and food distribution.
Mexico’s ruling Morena party has long-standing ideological and historical ties with Cuba, and President Claudia Sheinbaum is facing internal pressure to continue supporting Havana. Sheinbaum stated last Friday that imposing tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba could trigger a humanitarian crisis, affecting basic services and violating international law. She called for a resolution through “respect for international law and dialogue.”
Three of the four sources indicated that discussions are progressing positively and expressed hope for a resolution. Potential solutions being explored include dispatching a tanker carrying gasoline, along with food and other supplies classified as humanitarian aid, within days, should an agreement be reached.
Mexico’s state oil company, Pemex, is also reportedly looking to diversify its market amid the threat of U.S. Tariffs, though details of this diversification strategy remain unclear.
As of , Cuba is estimated to have only ‘15 to 20 days’ of oil remaining, intensifying the urgency of the situation.