President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that Mexico will send humanitarian aid to Cuba, including food and supplies, by next Monday at the latest. This comes amid diplomatic efforts to resume oil shipments without U.S. sanctions. Cuba is facing an energy crisis worsened by restrictions imposed by President Donald Trump.
During her press conference on February 6, 2026, in Michoacán, President Claudia Sheinbaum detailed that Mexico will coordinate humanitarian aid to Cuba through the Secretariat of Foreign Affairs and with support from Lázaro Cárdenas Batel, head of the Presidency's office. "We have spoken with the Cuban ambassador in Mexico... We are thinking of sending this aid, if not this weekend, by Monday (February 9) at the latest," Sheinbaum explained. The package will include "mainly food, and some other supplies they have requested".
Sheinbaum emphasized diplomatic efforts with the United States to allow oil shipments without tariffs. "We do not want sanctions on Mexico, but we are in that process of dialogue," she clarified. Mexico has paused crude oil deliveries to the island to avoid punitive measures, though Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex) reported sales of 496 million dollars in 2025 under a contract in force since 2023.
In Cuba, President Miguel Díaz-Canel described the situation as an "energy blockade" driven by a Trump executive order imposing tariffs on countries supplying fuel. Cuba produces only 40% of the fuel it consumes and relied on Venezuela, whose deliveries stopped after Nicolás Maduro's capture. Mexico and Russia are key suppliers, and Mexican oil is ideal for Cuba's obsolete plants.
Restrictions are already affecting daily life: interprovincial transport has been limited, universities like the University of Havana have shifted to semipresential modes, and there are long lines at gas stations. Citizens like 51-year-old Cristina Díaz expressed concern: "We are living as we can... I have to walk to work." Díaz-Canel called for a "very intelligent, very creative" plan to face "difficult times," impacting transport, food production, and services. The United States authorized 6 million dollars in humanitarian aid this week, but without fuel.
Sheinbaum indicated openness to a call with Díaz-Canel if necessary, though communications so far have been through the embassy.
