Two Mexican Navy ships carrying humanitarian aid dock in Cuba as the US blockade sparks a crisis

Havana — Two Mexican Navy ships carrying humanitarian aid docked Cuba On Thursday due to the American blockade It deepens the energy crisis on the island.

The ships arrived two weeks after US President Donald Trump Threatened tariffs On any country that sells or supplies oil to Cuba, which has prompted the island in recent days to ration energy.

The Mexican government said that one of the ships was carrying about 536 tons of food, including milk, rice, beans, sardines, meat products, cakes, canned tuna and vegetable oil, as well as personal hygiene supplies. The second ship carries a little more than 277 tons of powdered milk.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum She said that while diplomatic maneuvers were underway to resume oil supplies, humanitarian aid would be sent.

Before Trump’s announcement, Petroleos Mexicanos’ state-owned oil company, Pemex, had already suspended crude oil shipments to Cuba in January, though it did not explain the reasons behind the decision.

Cuba relied heavily on oil shipments from Venezuela, which were halted when the United States attacked the South American country in early January and arrested its leader.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel described Trump’s threats as an “energy blockade” and said it affects transportation, hospitals, schools, tourism and food production.

Cuban aviation officials warned airlines earlier this week that there was not enough fuel for planes to refuel on the island. on monday, Air Canada announced It suspended its flights to Cuba, while other airlines announced delays and stops in the Dominican Republic before flights continued to Havana. The fuel reduction is expected to be another blow to Cuba Once a thriving tourist economy.

Cuba also reduced bank operating hours and halted cultural events, while fuel distribution companies said sales would be made in dollars only and limited to 20 liters (5.28 gallons) per user.

In addition to the severe power outages, Cuban officials point out that US sanctions, which increased during Trump’s second term, cost the country more than $7.5 billion between March 2024 and February 2025.

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