MEXICO CITY — Facing challenges of blackouts and a worsening economic situation, Cuba has recently received close to 500,000 barrels of crude oil and diesel from Mexico within just a few days, as revealed in oil shipment data. This influx comes at a crucial time when deliveries from Venezuelan and Russian oil, which have historically sustained the island, have significantly decreased, positioning Mexico as one of Cuba’s critical supporters.

“Mexico’s role has become essential due to the reduction in Venezuelan supplies to Cuba and the absence of Russian oil,” stated Jorge Piñon, a senior research fellow at the University of Texas at Austin’s Energy Center. He added, “At present, the oil shipments from Mexico are extremely vital for Cuba.”

Data indicates that approximately 412,000 barrels of crude oil from Mexico’s state-owned oil corporation, Pemex, arrived in Cienfuegos either late on Wednesday or early Thursday. Furthermore, an additional shipment of around 67,000 barrels of diesel was dispatched on Wednesday night, expected to reach Santiago de Cuba early next week. Collectively, these shipments, valued at around $31 million, add to over $300 million worth of fuel Mexico has sent to Cuba since the beginning of 2023. After a six-month pause during the presidential election campaign in Mexico, oil trade has resumed under the newly inaugurated President Claudia Sheinbaum.

During a morning news conference, Sheinbaum acknowledged the recent oil shipments to Cuba, indicating they represent only a small portion of Mexico’s daily oil production of 1.6 to 1.8 million barrels. “We are going to support Cuba,” she declared, emphasizing the country’s commitment to show solidarity regardless of criticism.

Despite the significant delivery, Cuban officials have not yet commented on the shipments. This assistance arrives during a period of distress for Cuba, which has experienced extensive blackouts that left millions without power for several days earlier this month amid an ongoing economic downturn.

The Cuban government is under increasing pressure and discontent from the populace, particularly after imposing a steep increase in gas prices, severely affecting the budgets of citizens already struggling to afford basic necessities such as eggs and chicken. While Cuba’s leaders attribute their economic issues to the U.S. embargo, the country’s power infrastructure has deteriorated over the years, with insufficient investments in sustainable energy solutions despite abundant sunlight.

Consequently, Cuba has primarily relied on fossil fuels, initially depending heavily on Venezuelan support. However, as Venezuela faced its own crises, fuel supplies dwindled. Over the past few years, Cuba also turned to Russia for assistance, benefiting from substantial shipments of fuel that eased the impact of international sanctions against Russia due to its actions in Ukraine. Yet, support from Russia has diminished abruptly despite promises for more aid, and as noted, a remarkable shipment of 119,000 barrels in September was the first arrival after a long gap.

Cuban Minister of Energy and Mines Vicente de la O Levy recently revealed that they are in discussions with Russia, Venezuela, and Colombia for further assistance, stating, “These nations are in constant communication with us and are eager to understand how they can offer their support.” However, as of Thursday, he announced on social media that the government still expects to have only half of what is necessary to sustain power during peak hours.

While Mexico has historically shown its allegiance to Cuba and criticized U.S. sanctions, the specifics regarding whether the oil being supplied is a donation or sold at a discounted rate remain uncertain.