HAVANA (AP) — On Thursday, Guillermo Beltrán, a 70-year-old Cuban father of two, received valuable humanitarian aid from Mexico, which included crucial food items such as rice, beans, amaranth, crackers, cooking oil, canned sardines, and canned peaches. Each item he collected bore the simple phrase, “Made in Mexico.” Beltrán was one of hundreds of recipients benefiting from this initiative ordered by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, aimed at supporting Cuba as it grapples with significant blackouts and crippling fuel shortages, exacerbated by a stringent U.S. oil embargo.
“I feel very grateful,” stated Beltrán, expressing appreciation for the aid. He praised President Sheinbaum for her concern and bravery in extending support to the beleaguered nation. The humanitarian assistance arrived on two Mexican Navy ships that docked in Cuba the previous week, just two weeks after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on nations that sell oil to the island, a move that intensified the ongoing energy crisis in the Caribbean country.
The Mexican ships brought approximately 800 tons of goods, and additional shipments of 1,500 tons of powdered milk and beans are expected to follow shortly. The Cuban government announced that this aid would support vulnerable families, particularly those with underweight children or elderly members, in Havana and the provinces of Mayabeque and Artemisa. State television recently broadcast footage of supplies arriving at bodegas, the state-run stores distributing essential goods through a national ration system.
Beltrán's aid bags were delivered directly to his home by the manager of his local bodega in Havana. Roberto Román, the 28-year-old manager overseeing the distribution of goods to 1,780 customers belonging to 850 families, commented on the widespread gratitude among the people for these donations. The severe economic situation in Cuba has been ongoing since 2020, worsened by heightened U.S. sanctions designed to compel a shift in the island’s political landscape. This has resulted in critical shortages and severe power outages, particularly peaking earlier in 2026.
Cuba has historically relied heavily on oil shipments from Venezuela; however, these supplies were disrupted following U.S. actions against the South American country earlier in January 2026. The U.S. targeted Venezuela, leading to the arrest of its leader, which effectively blockaded Cuba’s vital oil resources. Currently, Cuba can only produce about 40% of the fuel it needs, rendering the island highly susceptible to foreign blockades. While Russia and China, recognized allies of Cuba, have condemned U.S. actions, their support has largely remained symbolic, lacking practical assistance.
In summary, the arrival of Mexican humanitarian aid marks a significant moment in the context of Cuba's ongoing struggles with fuel shortages and economic crises. By providing essential goods to vulnerable families, this aid illustrates regional solidarity as Cuba faces mounting challenges, underscoring the importance of international support amid heightened geopolitical tensions.
