The Mexican government dispatched 814 tons of provisions to Cuba on Sunday aboard two Navy ships from Veracruz, in response to the island's severe energy crisis triggered by U.S. sanctions. The aid includes basic foodstuffs and hygiene items, as Cuba warns its airlines will run out of aviation fuel this Monday. President Claudia Sheinbaum reaffirmed Mexico's solidarity with Cuba.
Amid an escalating energy crisis in Cuba, Mexico has moved swiftly to provide humanitarian support. On Sunday, February 8, 2026, two Mexican Navy ships, the Papaloapan and the Isla Holbox, departed from the port of Veracruz loaded with over 814 tons of provisions for Cuba's civilian population.
The Papaloapan, which left at 8:00 a.m., carries around 536 tons of essential foodstuffs and personal hygiene items, including liquid milk, meat products, cookies, beans, rice, tuna in water, sardines, vegetable oil, and cleaning supplies. Meanwhile, the Isla Holbox, departing at noon, transports more than 277 tons of powdered milk to address nutritional needs. Both are expected to arrive in Cuba on Thursday, February 12, after an estimated four-day journey.
This effort follows Pemex's cancellation of oil shipments to Cuba due to U.S. pressures. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on January 29 threatening tariffs on countries supplying crude to the island, citing national security risks. Consequently, Cuba, which produces only one-third of its energy needs, faces blackouts affecting over half the territory and has enacted an emergency plan: halting diesel sales, shortening hospital and office hours, and closing some hotels.
The Cuban government warned international airlines that, starting Monday, February 9, there will be no aviation fuel due to the oil blockade. President Claudia Sheinbaum recently stated that Mexico coordinated the shipment with Cuban authorities diplomatically and is negotiating to resume crude deliveries despite the sanctions.
The Secretariat of Foreign Affairs (SRE) stated in a release: “The people of Mexico keep alive their tradition of solidarity with the peoples of Latin America and particularly with the people of Cuba.” Additionally, over 1,500 tons of powdered milk and beans remain pending for future shipments, underscoring Mexico's humanitarian commitment.
