ASSESSMENTS
Mexico Sees an Opportunity in Venezuela's Struggles
Aug 29, 2017 | 11:37 GMT
![With the decline of Venezuelan oil production, Mexico considers its options in the Caribbean](https://worldview.stratfor.com/sites/default/files/styles/2x1_full/public/mexico-cuba-vn%20copy.jpg?itok=8zhDPgDu)
With Venezuelan oil output in decline, Mexico is considering supplying Cuba and nations participating in Caracas' Petrocaribe program with fuel and crude.
(iStock)
Highlights
- The Mexican finance and foreign ministries are considering a plan to step in and replace subsidized Venezuelan oil and fuel deliveries to Cuba, as well as to some Caribbean and Central American nations.
- The plan is tentative, but if Mexican energy deliveries displaced Venezuelan ones to Cuba, it eventually could sever the 18-year alliance between Havana and Caracas.
- Such an outcome would help the United States isolate Venezuela and open the door to heavier sanctions against the Venezuelan government. For Mexico, helping the United States pressure Venezuela would give it important leverage in its political relationship with Washington.