Mexico seeks way to supply fuel to Cuba despite US pressure

Mexican officials are considering options for delivering fuel to Cuba to help cover basic needs such as electricity generation and transportation, while avoiding retaliatory measures by the United States.

Washington has threatened to impose tariffs on countries that supply oil to the Caribbean island. According to sources, senior Mexican officials are holding talks with their US counterparts to obtain a clearer interpretation of the scope of the tariff threats outlined by President Donald Trump in his executive order.

Trump said on Monday that Mexico would stop supplying oil to Cuba, without giving further details. Cuba has to import fuel to cover about two-thirds of its energy needs and faces widespread power outages and long lines at gas stations.

Supplies of Venezuelan oil stopped after US actions against Venezuelan tankers and the January arrest of President Nicolás Maduro, making Mexico the main supplier of fuel to Cuba. In mid-January, however, it suspended supplies of oil and refined products under pressure from the US.

The Cuban government announced that it was preparing a plan in case of an acute fuel shortage, while UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned of the risk of a humanitarian collapse.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stressed that the introduction of tariffs could trigger a serious humanitarian crisis on the island.

(reuters, max)