Mexico to Continue Humanitarian Aid to Cuba but Pauses Oil Deliveries

President Claudia Sheinbaum pledged continued humanitarian support for Cuba while announcing a pause in fuel deliveries "for now," a move that leaves two recent shipments of food and hygiene goods as the immediate lifeline for many households in Havana. Sheinbaum linked the pause to wider diplomatic pressure and framed Mexico's stance as a defence of sovereignty even as humanitarian aid continues.

Sheinbaum made the remarks during a morning press conference recorded in mid-February 2026, with accounts noting Feb. 17 and televised clips posted Feb. 18 of her comments. At that briefing she said, "We will continue sending humanitarian aid, food, and some other requests that the Cuban government has made to us that it needs for its people. For now, we will not send fuel, although it must be very clear that we do not agree with this imposition of tariffs on countries that sell oil to Cuba. We state that we do not agree, and we continue helping the Cuban people in different ways."

The humanitarian relief is already on the ground: two Mexican ships arrived in Havana last week carrying more than 814 tons of food and other goods, and Sheinbaum said another shipment will be sent though she did not give a date. Mexican officials have described these deliveries as responses to the island's worsening shortages following announcements of U.S. measures targeting nations that supply oil to Cuba.

Sheinbaum tied the fuel decision to contractual and sovereign mechanics, saying that deliveries "are determined by Pemex based on the contracts, or, in any case, by the government, as a humanitarian decision to send it under certain circumstances." She also sidestepped a direct pledge to resume oil shipments, adding, "In any case, it will be reported." The pause follows reports that a planned January fuel shipment was called off amid growing concern in Mexico about punitive tariffs threatened by U.S. President Donald Trump on countries supplying oil to Cuba.

The choice exposes political strains inside Mexico's ruling coalition. Prominent cultural and political figures who have publicly defended Cuba, such as Paco Ignacio Taibo II and Martí Batres, represent a base likely to pressure the government to maintain ties. At the same time, an analyst identified only as Rios warned that if forced to pick between Washington or Havana, Sheinbaum would likely side with the United States despite domestic fallout.

Beyond cargo and contracts, Sheinbaum said Mexico is exploring a diplomatic role. "There are talks to see whether it’s feasible," she said about mediating a U.S.-Cuba dialogue, adding that any mediation "depends on both governments" and "on the conditions that, within the framework of its self-determination, the Government of Cuba may be establishing." She also reaffirmed a position on international diplomacy by stressing that "the only ones who can decide the government of Cuba are Cubans" and noting Mexico's recognition of Palestine and potential observer roles through its UN ambassador in other peace processes.

A widely shared Facebook post in the Cuba Travel Tips group has claimed Mexico would allow aircraft from anywhere to refuel in Mexican territory en route to Cuba to form an "airbridge," and the post logged thousands of reactions and hundreds of shares. That claim appears in social media only and includes no official citation from Mexican authorities or Pemex.

For now, the practical picture is clear: more than 814 tons of non-energy aid have reached Havana, Pemex contracts and government decisions will determine any future oil shipments, and Sheinbaum has said Mexico will report any changes. The coming days will test whether Mexico can thread a narrow path between sustaining humanitarian supplies to Cuba and avoiding the trade penalties the president has publicly criticized.