Sheinbaum Says Mexico Has Not Increased Oil Shipments to Cuba Despite Venezuela Disruptions

 

MEXICO CITY – Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Wednesday that Mexico has not increased its oil shipments to Cuba, despite growing scrutiny over regional energy flows following recent developments in Venezuela. Speaking at her daily press conference, Sheinbaum stressed that exports to the island remain consistent with historic levels, even as Mexico has emerged as a more visible crude supplier amid declining Venezuelan deliveries.

Her comments come as energy markets and governments reassess supply chains after the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, an event that has raised uncertainty over the future of Venezuela’s oil exports, long a key source of fuel for Cuba.

“No additional shipments”

“There is no increase,” Sheinbaum said, according to official transcripts. “What Mexico sends to Cuba is what it has historically sent, whether through contracts or humanitarian arrangements.”

She acknowledged, however, that Mexico has become an important supplier of crude to Cuba, largely because Venezuelan shipments have fallen sharply. The shift reflects changing regional dynamics rather than a deliberate policy change by her administration, she added.

Mexico’s state-owned oil company Pemex has supplied crude and refined products to Cuba in recent years, often under opaque terms that have drawn attention from opposition lawmakers and foreign observers. The government maintains that these shipments comply with Mexican law and form part of its broader foreign policy toward the Caribbean.

Regional energy realignment

For decades, Cuba relied heavily on subsidized Venezuelan oil under political agreements dating back to the Chávez era. As Venezuela’s production collapsed and U.S. pressure intensified, those flows became increasingly unreliable, forcing Havana to seek alternative suppliers.

Analysts say Mexico’s role has grown by default rather than design. “When Venezuelan barrels disappear, someone fills the gap,” said an energy analyst based in Latin America. “Mexico was already supplying some volumes, so it naturally became more visible.”

Diplomatic sensitivities

The issue carries diplomatic weight as U.S.–Mexico relations remain sensitive, particularly around energy policy and sanctions enforcement. Washington has long opposed oil support to Cuba, arguing it undermines pressure on the Cuban government.

Sheinbaum avoided direct reference to the United States, but reiterated that Mexico’s actions are guided by sovereignty principles and humanitarian considerations. “Mexico decides its foreign policy independently,” she said.

Limited market impact

From a market perspective, Mexico’s shipments to Cuba are relatively small and unlikely to affect global oil prices. The significance lies more in geopolitics than volume, highlighting how disruptions in one producer—Venezuela—can reshape regional supply patterns.

For now, the Mexican government insists there has been no policy shift, even as it navigates a rapidly changing Latin American energy landscape.

FAQs

Has Mexico increased oil shipments to Cuba?
No. President Claudia Sheinbaum says shipments remain at historic levels, with no recent increase.

Why is Mexico described as an “important supplier” to Cuba?
Because Venezuela’s oil deliveries have declined, making Mexico more prominent by comparison, not because Mexico is exporting more.

Who supplies the oil from Mexico?
Shipments are handled by Pemex, Mexico’s state-owned oil company.

Is this linked to events in Venezuela?
Yes. Disruptions following political developments in Venezuela have reduced its ability to supply Cuba, altering regional energy flows.

Does this affect global oil markets?
No significant impact is expected, as the volumes involved are modest and primarily regional.

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يناير 08, 2026