Mexico has dispatched nearly 400,000 barrels of oil to Cuba, a nation currently grappling with an acute energy crisis that has led to power outages lasting more than 10 hours. The shipment departed from the port of Pajaritos in Veracruz via an oil tanker, according to information from Reuters.
The severe energy shortages have prompted the government of President Miguel Díaz-Canel to close schools and send non-essential workers home. The situation has been further strained by recent adverse weather events affecting the Caribbean region.
Since last year, Mexico has been supplying Cuba with crude oil and fuel, complementing shipments from Venezuela, the island’s primary oil supplier. An earlier cargo was sent in mid-September to a port serving Cuba’s Cienfuegos refinery, based on data from a specialist company.
From January to September, Mexico delivered approximately 20,000 barrels per day of Olmeca crude to Cuba, with most shipments arriving at Cienfuegos. Throughout 2023, Mexico exported about 16,000 barrels per day of crude and refined products to the island, according to the data.
Mexico’s continued support aims to alleviate Cuba’s energy crisis, which has significantly impacted daily life and the economy. The collaboration underscores the strengthening ties between the two nations amid regional challenges.
