A shipment of hope arrives in Havana
Two Mexican Navy ships docked at dawn in the port of Havana. They brought more than 800 tons of aid: milk, rice, beans and basic products that are in short supply on the island. A direct response to what the Cuban president calls an “energy blockade.”
The arrival occurs just when Trump’s threats tighten the siege. The US president promised to impose tariffs on any country that sells or supplies oil to Cuba. The result is a crisis that touches everything: from hospitals to tourism.
“This is incredibly important help for the Cuban people right now,” said Yohandri Espinosa, an engineer watching the arrival with his daughter. “We are living in difficult times of great need and uncertainty.”
An energy puzzle without a solution
The situation is a geopolitical knot. Cuba produces only 40% of the oil it consumes. The rest came mainly from Venezuela, but those shipments stopped after the US actions against Maduro in January.
Mexico had already suspended its own crude oil shipments since January, although it was never made clear why. Now, with the threat of Trump on the table, the supply dries up even more.
The consequences are tangible. Air Canada suspended flights because there is not enough fuel to refuel on the island. Russian airlines such as Aeroflot cancel routes and organize early departures for their stranded tourists.
On land, banks reduced hours and cultural events were suspended. Fuel distributors only sell in dollars and limit the amount per person.
“Sometimes you think that things are going to get better, but they are not,” said Javier González from the Havana boardwalk. “We can’t continue as we are because it’s too hard.”
Now what? Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum promised more support when the ships return. His government seeks to promote peaceful dialogue so that Cuba can receive oil again.
But the words clash with six decades of US sanctions, now radicalized by Trump. Cuban officials estimate that these measures have cost them more than $7.5 billion in the last year alone.
Russia expressed solidarity, but its spokesperson was evasive: “It is impossible to discuss these issues publicly at this time for obvious reasons.” Nobody wants an open escalation with Washington.
Meanwhile, powdered milk and beans are unloaded at the Havana docks. It is an immediate relief for real families, but it does not solve the structural problem. The question floating in the Caribbean air is simple: who will fill the empty tanks?
