US Imposes Sanctions on Venezuela and Mexico Over Cubas Oil Supplies

Mexico Temporarily Halts Oil Shipments to Cuba Amid US Pressure

The Mexican government has temporarily halted oil shipments to Cuba, citing a “sovereign decision” made in response to the situation. This move comes amid heightened rhetoric from US President Donald Trump, who has been seeking to isolate the communist-ruled island nation.

Cuba’s economy is heavily reliant on oil imports, with Mexico providing 44% of its crude supplies and Venezuela exporting 33%. The halt in shipments has left Cuba without a critical lifeline, as Venezuelan crude was cut off from Havana following President Nicolas Maduro’s abduction by US forces.

Mexico’s state-owned oil corporation Pemex had been shipping nearly 20,000 barrels of oil per day to Cuba until the pause. Analysts expect further pressure from Washington to halt those shipments more permanently, given Trump’s demands that Mexico deliver stronger results in the fight against drug cartels.

The Mexican government is currently negotiating a trade agreement with the US amid tariff threats. Trump has stated that no Venezuelan oil or money will go to Cuba after Maduro’s abduction and control of Venezuela’s oil industry. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel has rejected talks, stating that Cuba has always been willing to engage in dialogue on the basis of sovereign equality and mutual respect.

The US president has also claimed that Cuba is on the brink of collapse, citing its deepening energy and economic crisis. The Trump administration has escalated its rhetoric against Cuba, which has been under strict US economic sanctions for decades.

Source: Al Jazeera