The oil shipments from Mexico to Cuba in 2025 accounted for nearly 17% of the island's energy needs, a significant volume amidst the severe fuel crisis exacerbating daily blackouts in the country.
The state-owned company Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex) exported 15,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil and 2,200 bpd of petroleum products last year, totaling 17,200 bpd, according to data reported by the company itself to the United States Securities Commission and cited by Reuters. These sales reached an approximate value of 500 million dollars.
Mexican shipments had already been increasing since the previous year. Between January and September 2024, Pemex exported oil and derivatives to Cuba worth around 500 million dollars, averaging over 31,000 barrels of crude per day and nearly 2,900 of refined products, reaffirming Mexico's role as one of the main energy supporters of the island amid the decline in Venezuelan supply.
If compared to the estimated consumption in Cuba —around 100,000 bpd—, the Mexican supply covers approximately one-sixth of the national demand. In annual terms, this amounts to about 6.3 million barrels, versus a total need of around 36.5 million.
The data is particularly relevant in the current context. Following the interruption of Venezuelan crude shipments at the beginning of 2026, Mexico has established itself as one of the main suppliers to the island. The loss of energy support from Caracas has deepened the fragility of the Cuban electrical system, characterized by structural deficits and constant generation failures.
Although the volume sent by Pemex does not meet the entire demand, its significance is crucial in the delicate energy balance of the country. Cuba relies heavily on fuel imports, while its domestic production only satisfies a limited portion of its needs.
Mexican exports also have political implications. The President of the United States, Donald Trump, has warned of potential tariffs on countries that supply oil to Cuba, which adds pressure to the government of Claudia Sheinbaum, which has defended these shipments as humanitarian aid.
This situation is further exacerbated by the financial cost of these shipments. Pemex has accumulated a debt of over 300 million dollars related to the supply of oil to Cuba in recent years, according to a report based on official records.
The operations, largely managed through the subsidiary Gasolinas Bienestar, have generated losses and increased the debt of the Mexican oil company, raising concerns about the viability of sustaining this support amid its own economic difficulties.
In a context of persistent scarcity, that 17% does not resolve the crisis, but it does help prevent an even greater energy collapse on the island.
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