Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on Monday that her government aims to resume oil shipments to Cuba in the near future, a development that could help alleviate the deepening energy crisis on the island. The initiative intends to channel supplies through commercial and privately owned Mexican companies, rather than the state-owned entities previously involved.

Mexico emerged as a crucial supplier of fuel to Cuba following disruptions in Venezuelan oil exports earlier this year. After the United States imposed sanctions targeting Venezuela in January and threatened tariffs on countries that transact oil shipments to Cuba, Mexican deliveries were sharply curtailed and eventually ceased. Prior to the embargo, Mexico had partially filled the gap left by diminished Venezuelan supplies.

According to Sheinbaum, the U.S. restrictions concluded in only one shipment reaching Cuba over the past months—a Russian tanker delivering approximately 730,000 barrels, which were consumed within a month. Cuba currently relies on imported petroleum for about 60 percent of its needs, producing only 40 percent domestically. The shortfall has exacerbated ongoing shortages, contributing to widespread blackouts, limited working hours, water scarcity, postponed medical procedures, and food spoilage.

The Mexican president highlighted intentions to capitalize on recent Cuban reforms aimed at expanding market freedoms, leveraging the presence of Mexican entrepreneurs already operating on the island. This approach reflects a strategic shift from prior practices that involved direct state-to-state fuel transfers.

Details on the timeline for the resumption of shipments or the volume of fuel to be supplied were not disclosed. However, the move underscores Mexico’s effort to navigate complex geopolitical pressures while addressing Cuba’s growing energy needs amid stringent U.S. sanctions and regional instability.