A subsidiary of Petróleos Mexicanos (PEMEX) known as Gasolinas del Bienestar has become the focus of political debate after officials confirmed that the company has been used to export crude and fuel to Cuba.
PEMEX acknowledged that the firm, formally registered as Gasolinas Bienestar, S.A., is a private commercial entity created to facilitate shipments of hydrocarbons abroad. The company began operations in July 2023, sending petroleum and derivatives to the island. However, when asked to disclose payment records from Cuba, PEMEX declined, arguing that the subsidiary is a private entity and therefore not subject to transparency obligations.
The controversy intensified after Claudia Sheinbaum, during a press conference, defended the legality of the subsidiary but admitted its existence. She explained that the company was established under López Obrador’s administration to expand distribution and support humanitarian efforts, including fuel shipments to Cuba.
Critics, however, have labeled Gasolinas del Bienestar a “phantom company,” alleging that its sole client is Cuba and questioning whether Mexican resources are being diverted to prop up Havana’s struggling economy. The debate comes as Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel recently acknowledged that the island faces “absolute misery,” with shortages of food, fuel, and basic goods.
Opposition lawmakers have demanded audits and full disclosure of the subsidiary’s operations, arguing that Mexico’s energy resources should prioritize domestic needs. Civil society groups have echoed calls for transparency, warning that opaque arrangements risk undermining public trust in PEMEX.
As scrutiny grows, the case highlights the intersection of Mexico’s energy policy and foreign relations. Whether Gasolinas del Bienestar represents legitimate cooperation or questionable resource allocation remains a pressing issue for the Sheinbaum administration.
Source: El Universal
