Two Mexican Navy Ships Deliver Humanitarian Aid To Cuba Amid Fuel Shortages

Two Mexican Navy vessels carrying humanitarian supplies arrived in Havana on Thursday, providing critical support to Cuba amid a worsening energy shortage caused by U.S. sanctions.

The ships, named Papaloapan and Isla Holbox, brought essential food and hygiene items and arrived at Havana Harbour under calm conditions.

One of the vessels transported approximately 536 tons of food, including milk, rice, beans, sardines, meat products, cookies, canned tuna, vegetable oil, and personal hygiene items.

The second carried over 277 tons of powdered milk. Local residents gathered to witness the ships’ arrival and documented the unloading of supplies.

The aid shipments follow U.S. threats to impose tariffs on countries that provide oil to Cuba, which led the island to implement strict energy rationing.

Cuban authorities reported that the shortages were affecting hospitals, schools, transportation, tourism, and food production.

Airlines, including Air Canada, suspended or rerouted flights due to limited fuel availability.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that further humanitarian aid is planned, including 1,500 tons of beans and powdered milk, while diplomatic efforts are ongoing to restore oil supplies to Cuba.

Sheinbaum’s administration confirmed that Mexico has informed the United States of its intention to support Cuba and facilitate access to oil for its daily operations.

Prior to the U.S. announcements, Mexico’s state-owned oil company, Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex), had suspended crude oil shipments to Cuba in January.

Cuba had also relied heavily on oil from Venezuela, which ceased after U.S. military intervention led to the removal of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.

Russian officials declined to comment on possible oil supplies, citing the need to avoid escalating tensions with the United States.

Cuba, with a population of 9.6 million, has been subject to a U.S. trade embargo since 1962, resulting in longstanding economic challenges.

Fuel distribution companies have limited sales to 20 litres per user, processed in U.S. dollars, and the government has reduced school hours, public transport, and bank operating times.

Between March 2024 and February 2025, U.S. sanctions reportedly cost Cuba more than $7.5 billion.

References: Reuters, France24

Source: Maritime Shipping News