President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order targeting any countries supplying oil to Cuba. This move could worsen the energy crisis on the island, which already suffers from deep economic challenges.
The order puts significant pressure on Mexico, a key oil provider for Cuba. Despite expressing solidarity with Cuba, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has faced scrutiny. In response to reporters’ questions, Trump said he wasn’t trying to “choke off” Cuba, labeling it a “failing nation.” He added that it might struggle to survive, highlighting the precarious state of affairs for the Cuban government.
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez condemned the executive order, calling it a “brutal act of aggression,” and accused the U.S. of using “blackmail” to enforce its long-standing blockade against Cuba. This tension forms part of a broader narrative around U.S.-Cuba relations, which have been strained for decades.
Cuba has heavily relied on allies like Mexico, Venezuela, and Russia to secure energy supplies. With U.S. sanctions increasing, the island’s vulnerability has grown. Research shows oil shipments from Mexico have dropped significantly. From nearly 20,000 barrels a day in early 2025, recent estimates show that number has fallen to about 7,000 barrels. Jorge Piñon, an energy expert, tracks these shipments using satellite technology.
Sheinbaum has provided vague statements regarding oil shipments to Cuba. She mentioned that Pemex, Mexico’s state-owned oil company, had temporarily paused shipments but avoided linking this decision explicitly to U.S. pressure. She emphasized that the decision aligns with contractual obligations and reiterated Mexico’s humanitarian support to Cuba.
This uncertainty affects both nations. Many Cubans are left anxious, waiting in long lines for gasoline. Political analyst Jorge Legañoa stated that Cuba itself isn’t a threat; rather, the Cuban government combats crime and drug trafficking within its borders.
Meanwhile, Cuban Deputy Minister Carlos F. de Cossio voiced concerns via social media, noting that the U.S. tightening its blockade shows the “failure of decades of relentless economic warfare.” He argued that countries could either uphold their right to export fuel to Cuba or yield to tariff pressures from the United States.
As tensions rise, the situation continues to evolve, offering a complex puzzle of international relations and humanitarian need. Experts suggest that this conflict could serve as a case study in how economic sanctions can impact not just politics but ordinary lives as well.
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