Pemex Maintains Oil Exports to Cuba Despite US Scrutiny
- Mexico’s state oil company, Pemex, continues to uphold its oil supply contract with Cuba, even as pressure mounts from the United States, January 27, 2026.
- According to Víctor Rodríguez Padilla, Pemex’s director general, the existing contract with Cuba, established in 2023, represents less than 1% of the company’s total crude oil production.
- “With regard to Cuba, we have a single contract, in effect since 2023.
Mexico Maintains Oil Contracts with Cuba Despite U.S. Pressure
Mexico’s state oil company, Pemex, continues to uphold its oil supply contract with Cuba, even as pressure mounts from the United States, . The decision comes amid reports that a planned oil shipment to the island was canceled in , though President Claudia Sheinbaum has stressed Mexico’s sovereign right to make its own decisions regarding energy policy.
According to Víctor Rodríguez Padilla, Pemex’s director general, the existing contract with Cuba, established in , represents less than 1% of the company’s total crude oil production. In , sales of crude oil and petroleum products to Cuba totaled $496 million, a figure that Pemex officials say has remained stable and does not significantly impact the company’s finances.
“With regard to Cuba, we have a single contract, in effect since . It’s a commercial contract like the ones we have with more than 50 countries. Last year it represented less than 1% of crude production and around 0.1% of total sales of Pemex,” Rodríguez Padilla explained.
The recent shift in Mexico’s role as a key energy supplier to Cuba follows the decline of Venezuela’s oil production and export capacity due to sanctions and structural failures. For decades, Venezuela had provided Cuba with subsidized oil in exchange for medical and intelligence services. Mexico has now stepped in to fill that void, a move that “raises the geopolitical cost in its relationship with the United States,” according to analysts.
President Sheinbaum has defended the oil shipments as stemming from both long-term commercial contracts and humanitarian considerations. She noted that the value of shipments based on contracts exceeds those provided as aid, stating, “Last year it was a little more than 400 million dollars. It is much more due to contract than humanitarian aid. Sometimes it is exaggerated.”
The Mexican government is reportedly reviewing its policy in light of potential repercussions from the United States, particularly following recent statements from U.S. Officials regarding potential tariffs on countries supplying Cuba with hydrocarbons. Sheinbaum indicated that Mexico is pursuing diplomatic solutions to avoid any negative impact on the country.
“We do not want to affect Mexico, but we also have a contract with Cuba and a humanitarian conviction. We are seeking to resolve it through diplomatic channels,” Sheinbaum said.
Pemex shipped nearly 20,000 barrels of oil per day to Cuba from through , according to recent Pemex reports. The company maintains that Cuba consistently pays according to the terms of the contract, with no outstanding invoices.
Rodríguez Padilla emphasized that Mexico’s priority is domestic processing of crude oil, leading to a gradual reduction in exports. “The oil produced in Mexico is for the benefit of Mexicans. Today we have a high level of internal refining, which reduces our exports,” he stated.
Sheinbaum also highlighted Mexico’s historical support for Cuba, noting that the country has consistently provided aid to nations in need, including California, Texas, Chile, and Haiti. “Mexico is a supportive country. We support Cuba, but we also support California, Texas, Chile, Haiti. Wherever we are needed, we will be there,” she said.
The president reiterated that decisions are made based on the Constitution, national sovereignty, and Mexico’s diplomatic tradition. “Mexico does not abandon any people. Fraternity is a deep value of our history and our people,” she concluded.