By Perla Velasco | Journalist & Industry Analyst – Mexico Business News Thu, 08/21/2025
In 2025, Mexico reached a new high in its oil shipments to Cuba. Between May 29 and June 27, PEMEX delivered 39 shipments of crude and refined products to Havana, with a total value exceeding US$850 million. These deliveries included 10.2MMb and 132.5 million L of products such as jet fuel, diesel, and gasoline, representing the largest monthly volume of Mexican oil exports to Cuba to date. This volume nearly matches the total value of oil exports from Mexico to Cuba over the previous two years, which amounted to approximately US$1 billion.
The oil was exported through Fuel Stations for Well-Being, a subsidiary of PEMEX established to manage these operations. Most shipments departed from customs in Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, with one shipment leaving from the port of Tampico, Tamaulipas, carrying 6.8 million L of diesel. Satellite tracking confirmed that shipments continued into July, underscoring Mexico’s sustained support for Cuba during this critical period.
This surge in exports comes amid Cuba’s escalating energy crisis, characterized by prolonged and widespread power outages. The Cuban government attributes these challenges to ongoing US sanctions, which have hindered its ability to secure energy resources. In response, Mexico has increased its support, with shipments continuing into 2025.
The decision to escalate oil exports to Cuba has been met with both support and criticism. Supporters argue that the shipments are a humanitarian gesture aimed at alleviating Cuba’s energy shortages. They highlight the longstanding diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations, emphasizing the importance of solidarity in times of crisis. Critics, however, contend that the increased exports could expose Mexico to potential sanctions from the United States, given the existing embargo on Cuba. They also question the financial implications for PEMEX, which is already grappling with significant debt and declining oil production.
Despite these concerns, the Mexican government has defended its actions, framing the oil exports as legitimate trade agreements rather than acts of charity. President Claudia Sheinbaum reiterated Mexico’s commitment to supporting Cuba, stating that the country produces between 1.6 to 1.8MMb/d, making the shipments a manageable endeavor. She emphasized that these exports are part of Mexico’s broader foreign policy objectives, which include advocating for the suspension of US sanctions against Cuba.
From an economic perspective, the oil exports to Cuba represent a modest but significant portion of PEMEX’s overall operations. In 1Q25, shipments to Cuba accounted for 3.3% of PEMEX’s crude oil exports and 1.9% of its refined product sales. While these figures are relatively small in the context of PEMEX’s global activities, they underscore the strategic importance of the Cuba-Mexico energy relationship.
Looking ahead, the trajectory of oil exports from Mexico to Cuba will likely depend on several factors, including the resolution of Cuba’s energy crisis, the geopolitical dynamics surrounding US sanctions, and the economic health of PEMEX. However, the record-breaking shipments in 2025 signal a deepening of the energy partnership between the two nations. This development not only highlights Mexico’s role as a key energy supplier in the region but also reflects its broader foreign policy stance, characterized by a commitment to regional solidarity and opposition to unilateral sanctions.
