Mexico And Uruguay Send Humanitarian Cargo To Cuba As Fuel And Food Shortages Worsen
A ship carrying humanitarian aid from Mexico and Uruguay has arrived in Cuba, as the country continues to face serious shortages of food, fuel and electricity.
The vessel brought around 1,600 to 1,700 tons of food and hygiene products to Havana, according to Cuban state media.
The supplies are mainly meant for children, elderly people and other vulnerable groups, Cuban officials said.
The arrival comes at a time when Cuba is going through one of its worst economic crises, with frequent power cuts and ongoing shortages across the island.
The vessel, named Asian Katra, carried grains, powdered milk and hygiene items.
The aid was organised through cooperation between the governments of Mexico and Uruguay, with Uruguay joining Mexico’s shipment after being invited due to logistical challenges in sending aid separately.
Mexican Ambassador Miguel Ignacio Díaz said this is the eighth aid shipment sent to Cuba and it shows President Claudia Sheinbaum’s support for the Cuban people.
Cuba’s Food Industry Minister Alberto López thanked Mexico and Uruguay for the assistance. He said the aid comes during a period of severe economic hardship, made worse by tighter US restrictions on the country.
He added that the supplies would be distributed carefully and fairly, with priority given to those most in need, including children, elderly citizens and vulnerable families.
The aid is arriving while Cuba continues to struggle with fuel shortages and widespread blackouts.
The energy crisis has been linked to reduced oil supply flows, including disruptions from Venezuela earlier this year, which affected Cuba’s fuel imports.
The situation has also been affected by rising tensions between Havana and Washington.
US President Donald Trump has threatened tariffs on countries that supply oil to Cuba, adding further pressure on the island’s energy imports and trade links.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has warned against possible US military action and said such threats would have serious consequences for regional stability.
The dispute between the two countries has also increased due to US legal and political pressure involving former Cuban leader Raúl Castro.
Several people in Havana gathered as the ship arrived, saying any aid is helpful as shortages continue.
Some residents said they hope the supplies will eventually reach all those in need, especially elderly family members and vulnerable households.
Uruguayan ambassador Juan Andrés Canessa said the donation was part of a cooperation agreement with Mexico created in 2023, showing continued regional solidarity.
References: latimes, AP News
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