The Mexican National Institute of Transparency, Access to Information, and Personal Data Protection (INAI) has mandated that Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex) disclose details about oil shipments to Cuba made during the administration of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and in the first month of Claudia Sheinbaum's leadership. This decision, reached unanimously on January 15, 2025, requires the state-owned oil company to provide comprehensive data on the quantity of fuel sent, its market value, shipping and receiving dates, responsible officials, commercial terms, and the associated budget line.
The INAI's ruling came after a complaint was filed with the agency. The complainant criticized Pemex for stating that foreign countries, entities, companies, or institutions were not considered potential recipients of oil product donations. Consequently, Pemex claimed it could not locate the requested documentation. However, the request included links to statements where President López Obrador himself mentioned these shipments.
INAI's head commissioner, Adrián Alcalá Méndez, noted that under regulatory provisions, foreign nations or organizations can indeed receive donations from Pemex, provided it serves the interests of the state company or constitutes humanitarian aid within the framework of treaties or agreements signed by the federal government. Additionally, Alcalá Méndez pointed out that Pemex had only forwarded the request to two of its administrative units, neglecting to consult other relevant areas, resulting in an incomplete response that compromised the right to access information.
"The search criteria used by the consulted administrative units cannot be validated as the information provided does not align with the regulations cited to justify the absence of information," he remarked.
Background and Controversy Over Oil Shipments to Cuba
In 2023, Mexico's oil shipments to Cuba drew international attention when the U.S. government sanctioned Pemex, accusing it of gifting oil to the island. The U.S. claimed these actions violated international trade regulations and financially aided the Cuban government amid an energy crisis. In response, López Obrador's administration vehemently denied giving away crude oil to Cuba, asserting that all shipments were conducted under legitimate and transparent commercial agreements.
According to reports from industry experts, Mexico sent Cuba oil worth $200 million in 2023, during a worsening energy crisis caused by reduced shipments from Venezuela, Cuba's primary supplier. These supplies have been described as a "lifeline" for Havana, helping to alleviate the impact of the energy collapse.
Over the years, bilateral relations between Mexico and Cuba have involved a steady flow of aid beyond just fuel. Recent investigations revealed that the Mexican government also sent tons of equipment and supplies to Cuba, although the terms of these agreements remain unclear.
Key Questions About Pemex's Oil Shipments to Cuba
Why did the INAI order Pemex to reveal details of its oil shipments to Cuba?
The INAI ordered Pemex to disclose this information following a complaint about the lack of transparency regarding international oil shipments, especially after Pemex claimed foreign entities were not eligible for donations, contradicting available evidence and statements.
What was the U.S. government's response to Mexico's oil shipments to Cuba?
The U.S. government imposed sanctions on Pemex, alleging that the oil shipments to Cuba violated international trade laws and supported the Cuban government during an energy crisis. Mexico's administration denied these claims, maintaining that the shipments were part of legitimate trade agreements.
How have Mexico-Cuba relations been affected by these oil shipments?
The oil shipments have been a point of contention, especially with international scrutiny. Nonetheless, they have also been part of a broader pattern of aid from Mexico to Cuba, including various supplies and equipment, highlighting the complex nature of their bilateral relations.