President Claudia Sheinbaum proposed that the United States send oil to Cuba to prevent a humanitarian crisis due to energy shortages on the island. She expressed concern over potential tariffs from the Trump administration on countries supplying crude to Cuba. She instructed the Foreign Relations Secretariat to clarify the scope of those measures.
On January 30, 2026, during her morning press conference in Baja California, President Claudia Sheinbaum addressed Cuba's energy situation amid threats of tariffs from the United States. Sheinbaum emphasized that Mexico sends less than 1% of its oil production to the island, mainly light crudes like Istmo and Olmeca, used in deteriorated power plants. “Se ha enviado a Cuba menos de 1 por ciento del (petróleo) de lo que produce, para que se ponga en contexto”, she said.
The president highlighted the risk of a humanitarian crisis: “Sin energía no funcionan los hospitales, los refrigeradores y se genera una situación de crisis humanitaria, de afectación a la vida de las personas”. On January 29, 57% of Cuba was without power overnight, with a similar situation expected that Friday. Cuba needs about 110,000 barrels daily, produces 40,000, and relies on imports for the remaining 70,000, including 20-22,000 from Mexico.
In response to Donald Trump's executive order imposing tariffs on countries selling or sending crude to Cuba, Sheinbaum refused to risk Mexico commercially. “Tenemos que saber los alcances porque tampoco queremos poner en riesgo a nuestro país en términos de los aranceles”, she stated. She asked the US to send oil directly or clarify the measures, noting that Mexican shipments are sovereign, via Pemex contracts or humanitarian aid. Venezuela has already suspended its shipments following an agreement with the US.
Sheinbaum denied Bloomberg reports on suspended shipments, stating Pemex decides based on contracts. Pemex director Víctor Rodríguez Padilla will provide more details on February 4. The president reiterated Mexico's solidarity: “México siempre ha sido solidario con todo el mundo”.
