cross-posted from: https://lemmygrad.ml/post/10652478

Mexico dispatches over 814 tonnes of food and essentials to Cuba as humanitarian aid, reaffirming solidarity amid US pressure and fuel shortages.

The Mexican government has dispatched two naval vessels carrying over 814 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Cuba, as the island struggles with worsening shortages amid US sanctions and a halt in Venezuelan oil deliveries. Food and essentials depart from Veracruz

According to the Mexican Foreign Ministry, logistics vessels Papaloapan and Isla Holbox departed the port of Veracruz on February 8.

Papaloapan carries approximately 536 tonnes of food and essential goods, including:

Liquid milk
Meat products
Rice and beans
Cookies
Canned tuna and sardines
Vegetable oil
Personal hygiene products

Isla Holbox is transporting 277 tonnes of powdered milk intended for humanitarian use. The aid is expected to reach Cuba within four days. Mexico reaffirms solidarity with Cuba

The Foreign Ministry emphasized that the shipment reflects Mexico’s humanitarian principles and its long-standing solidarity with Cuba.

The move follows a directive from President Claudia Sheinbaum, who has vowed to continue supporting the Cuban people despite growing US pressure.

Additional aid shipments are reportedly in preparation, including over 1,500 tonnes of powdered milk and beans. Fuel crisis intensifies after US pressure

The humanitarian initiative comes after Washington escalated pressure on Cuba by targeting nations that supply it with oil.

On January 29, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order allowing import duties on goods from any country supplying oil to Cuba.

Trump also declared a national emergency, citing alleged threats from Havana.

Mexico has emerged as Cuba's largest petroleum supplier after the US move and halt in Venezuelan supplies, accounting for approximately 44% of oil imports in 2025, yet even these combined flows fall short of meeting the nation's energy demands. The Trump administration's threats of tariffs against countries selling oil to Cuba have further complicated Havana's efforts to secure alternative supply sources, leaving the island in its most severe crisis since the Soviet collapse.