Cuba's energy crisis is spiraling, and the loss of Venezuelan oil could be the breaking point. For years, the island nation has been grappling with a worsening energy shortage, heavily reliant on its ally Venezuela for fuel. But following recent events, that lifeline is in jeopardy, leaving Cuba scrambling for solutions.
In the short term, Cuba will likely turn to its neighbors, such as Mexico, for crucial supplies. But here's where it gets controversial: Cuba needs a long-term strategy to ensure energy security and end the cycle of blackouts and shortages.
The reality on the ground is grim. Cubans are experiencing near-daily blackouts and gas cuts. This crisis, fueled by years of underinvestment in the power grid, has left power plants running below capacity, far short of consumer demand. Residents are forced to invest in costly alternatives like charcoal stoves and rechargeable batteries, placing a further burden on their already stretched finances.
Last March, the entire national electrical grid collapsed, plunging most of the island's 10 million residents into darkness. Major tourist hotels were forced to rely on generators, and many had no power at all. This led to widespread protests, with citizens demanding government action.
Venezuela has been a primary oil supplier to Cuba in recent years. Despite declining oil production, Venezuela was shipping an average of 26,500 barrels per day (bpd) to Cuba last year, covering roughly 50% of Cuba’s oil deficit. Venezuela also accounted for approximately 10% of Cuba’s trade in 2025.
But here's the catch: Since the recent events, no oil shipments have reportedly left Venezuelan ports for Cuba. And this is the part most people miss: 32 members of Cuba's armed forces and intelligence services were killed during the recent events. Former President Donald Trump has since issued a stark warning, demanding that Cuba make a deal with Washington to secure its oil supply.
Trump's statements have been blunt: "THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA – ZERO!" He added, "I strongly suggest they make a deal, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE." He went on to say, "Most of those Cubans are DEAD from last week’s U.S.A. attack, and Venezuela doesn't need protection anymore from the thugs and extortionists who held them hostage for so many years. Venezuela now has the United States of America, the most powerful military in the World (by far!), to protect them, and protect them we will.”
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel responded with defiance, stating Cuba's sovereignty. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez asserted Cuba's right to import fuel from any willing supplier.
With Venezuelan oil unavailable, Mexico has stepped up to fill the void. In 2025, Mexico became Cuba’s main oil supplier, although President Claudia Sheinbaum has stated that Mexico is not shipping significantly more oil than in previous years.
Mexico was estimated to have sent an average of 12,284 bpd of crude to Cuba in 2025, providing 44% of the island’s crude imports. In comparison, Venezuela exported an estimated 9,528 bpd, accounting for 34% of its oil imports.
But here's another twist: The Trump administration is less than pleased with Mexico's continued oil exports to Cuba, which could put pressure on President Sheinbaum to curb shipments due to the upcoming review of the USMCA trade agreement. Congressman Carlos Giménez threatened, "Make no mistake: if the Sheinbaum government continues to give away free oil to the terrorist dictatorship in Havana, there will be serious consequences as we renegotiate the USMCA.”
As the pressure mounts, several Latin American countries are caught in the crossfire. The United States is strongly encouraging Cuba to negotiate an agreement to secure its oil supply, while Mexico faces pressure to limit its increasingly vital exports to Cuba.
What do you think? Is Cuba justified in seeking alternative oil sources? Should Mexico continue to supply Cuba, even under pressure from the US? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
