Two Mexican Navy ships departed from the Port of Veracruz on Sunday carrying more than 814 tons of food and supplies to Cuba, as the island nation grapples with acute fuel shortages and widespread blackouts.
The Buque Papaloapan left Veracruz at 8 a.m. carrying 536 tons of essentials, including liquid milk, meat products, beans, rice, canned tuna and sardines, vegetable oil, cookies and personal hygiene items. The Buque Isla Holbox followed at noon with 277 tons of powdered milk. Both vessels are expected to arrive in Cuba within four days.
Mexico’s Foreign Ministry said the shipment represents the country’s commitment to regional solidarity, particularly with Cuba. More than 1,500 additional tons of powdered milk and beans await future transport.
The aid comes as Cuba faces what President Miguel Díaz-Canel called an “acute fuel shortage” during a televised address last week. The crisis has triggered rolling blackouts across the island, forced fuel rationing, and prompted the government to limit administrative activities to four days a week to conserve energy.
Cuba’s difficulties intensified after the United States cut off Venezuelan oil supplies in January following a military operation that removed President Nicolás Maduro from power. The Trump administration subsequently threatened tariffs on any country supplying oil to Cuba, leaving the island scrambling for alternatives.
Nine international airports in Cuba will have no jet fuel available from Feb. 10 through at least March 11, according to an official aviation notice. Foreign airlines must either carry extra fuel from their origin points or make technical stops elsewhere to refuel.
Mexico has emerged as Cuba’s primary fuel supplier since Venezuela stopped shipments, though President Claudia Sheinbaum recently paused oil deliveries while seeking diplomatic solutions to avoid U.S. tariffs. She emphasized that humanitarian aid would continue regardless.
“The people of Mexico maintain their tradition of solidarity with the peoples of Latin America and particularly with the people of Cuba,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
The United Nations has warned of a potential humanitarian collapse if Cuba’s energy needs go unmet. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres expressed “extreme concern” about the situation last week, noting that fuel shortages have pushed up food and transportation costs while causing prolonged blackouts even in Havana.
Cuba has relied on connections with Mexico for decades, including proposals for maritime routes between the Yucatán Peninsula and Cuba. The Mexican government has provided aid during previous crises, including sending 100,000 barrels of fuel after widespread protests in 2021 and more than 400,000 barrels following severe blackouts in 2024.
The U.S. trade embargo against Cuba, in place since 1962, has contributed to the island’s ongoing economic difficulties. Trump recently threatened additional pressure on Cuba, though he has not specified what kind of agreement he seeks.
Cuban authorities have responded to the crisis by prioritizing electricity for hospitals, elderly care centers and isolated regions while ramping up solar power generation. The government is also working to increase domestic crude oil extraction and storage capacity.
For ordinary Cubans, the shortages mean limited fuel purchases — currently capped at 20 liters of gasoline in U.S. dollars only — and uncertain access to basic goods. Universities have suspended classes, and interprovincial transportation has been curtailed in some provinces.
The Sheinbaum administration has described oil as “fundamental” humanitarian aid for Cuba, but acknowledged it cannot risk additional tariffs on Mexican exports to the United States.
Key Facts:
- Two Mexican Navy vessels departed Veracruz on Feb. 8 with 814 tons of humanitarian aid
- Shipment includes food staples, personal hygiene items and powdered milk
- Cuba faces acute fuel shortage after U.S. cut Venezuelan oil supplies in January
- Nine Cuban airports will lack jet fuel from Feb. 10 through at least March 11
- More than 1,500 additional tons of aid await future shipment from Mexico
- U.N. warns of potential humanitarian collapse without fuel supplies