The humanitarian aid approach proposed by the Mexican government "is certainly necessary, but without the possibility of oil trade, it is merely a small palliative."

This article by Arturo Sánchez Jiménez originally appeared in the April 1, 2026 edition of La Jornada, Mexico’s premier left wing daily newspaper.

Academics and members of solidarity organizations with the island said that it is urgent for Mexico to resume oil shipments to Cuba, and that in the face of the energy blockade imposed by the Donald Trump administration, they have promoted various initiatives to support the Cuban people.

Nayar López Castellanos, a professor at UNAM and member of the Network in Defense of Humanity; Ángel Chávez-Mancilla, of the Mexican Communist Party; and Tamara Barra Monzón, of the Mexican Movement of Solidarity with Cuba, agreed that the current situation “is unfortunately not new,” but it is going through a critical phase that requires immediate measures, such as the resumption of hydrocarbon sales from Mexico, because otherwise, the humanitarian aid sent will only be “a small palliative.”

Nayar López argued that the suspension of hydrocarbon shipments contradicts the historical principles of Mexican foreign policy. “I don’t think it’s right to have submitted to this oil blockade.”

He argued that the decision to suspend supplies is a response to pressures affecting not only Cuba, but also the sovereignty of nations seeking to trade freely. He pointed out that the eventual resumption of shipments would represent “a historic turning point” consistent with the national diplomatic tradition of respecting the self-determination of peoples, as demonstrated when Mexico did not break relations with the island or support its expulsion from the Organization of American States in the 1960s.

He argued that a coordinated response from countries in the region could alter the current situation. “What would happen if Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico each decided to send five oil tankers at the same time? Could the U.S. Navy respond in the Gulf?” he asked. In his view, Washington’s policy “is an attempt to starve and deprive an entire nation,” which lacks broad social support in Latin America.

Ángel Chávez asserted that the island’s current situation is a result of the intensification of economic and energy pressure measures aimed at generating internal instability. He indicated that sending oil from Mexico would have immediate effects on the daily lives of the population and would represent a clear political signal in the face of external pressures. “The working people must raise the slogan ‘Mexican oil for the Cuban people,’ because it is an essential element for the continued functioning of the island’s entire electrical and energy system.” He emphasized that the humanitarian aid approach proposed by the Mexican government “is certainly necessary, but without the possibility of oil trade, it is merely a small palliative.”

Tamara Barra emphasized that sending crude oil would represent a decision with an immediate impact on strategic sectors and basic services. “If there is no oil, hospitals cannot function, schools cannot operate, bakeries cannot open… daily life suffers severe disruption.”

Photo: Jay Watts

Thirty Years of Solidarity

The Mexican Movement of Solidarity with Cuba (MMSC) will celebrate its 30th National Meeting in Aguascalientes, in the context of the 30th anniversary of its founding as a unitary organization in support of the island’s revolution.

The movement was founded on February 24, 1996, in the context of the first National Meeting of Solidarity with Cuba, as a space to bring together groups and individuals sympathetic to the Cuban revolution and defenders of the right of the Caribbean people to their free self-determination, reviving the historical tradition of friendship between Mexico and the island.

Since then, the organization has promoted ongoing actions against the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States; dissemination campaigns about the social achievements of the revolution and political, cultural and fundraising activities in support of the inhabitants of the island.

It has also played a role in defending relations between Mexico and Havana, such as during the administration of Vicente Fox, a member of the National Action Party (PAN), and has promoted the annual July 26th march commemorating the start of the revolution. Furthermore, it has hosted two continental meetings of solidarity with Cuba, in 2011 and 2025, with the participation of international figures.

Tamara Barra Monzón, a member of the movement, pointed out that the MMSC currently maintains a presence in more than 25 states of the country and highlighted the preparation for the next national meeting in Aguascalientes, to be held in May, which will be attended by representatives of different state committees and guests from Cuba.

Photo: Jay Watts

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