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Cuba is contending with a severe fuel shortage that is causing widespread disruptions. The crisis has forced the postponement of the country's annual cigar fair and has stranded tourists and business travelers, including Spanish businesspeople. The situation is described as pushing the country to the brink and reviving memories of the severe economic crisis of the 1990s known as the 'Special Period'.
A US fuel blockade is causing major disruptions in Cuba, with airlines halting flights and tourists departing due to the oil shortage. Mexico's president-elect, Claudia Sheinbaum, criticized the US measures, labeling proposed tariffs as 'unfair' and stating they would 'strangle' the Cuban economy. Mexico is negotiating with the US to send oil to Cuba and is planning to send food aid. Separately, Air Canada suspended its flights to the island and is working to repatriate approximately 3,000 tourists, citing the lack of fuel in Cuba.
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The United States government, under Trump, has taken actions to restrict oil and fuel shipments from reaching Cuba. This has created a severe energy crisis on the island, leading to fuel rationing, canceled flights, and disruptions to public services and garbage collection. In response, Cuba has told international airlines they can no longer refuel on the island, leading carriers like Air Canada to suspend flights. The Russian government has called the fuel situation critical and accused the United States of 'suffocating' Cuba. Mexico has explored ways to send aid and fuel without facing United States tariffs. The United States Treasury Department has said it will allow the resale of Venezuelan oil to Cuba's private sector, but not to the Cuban government. Trump has stated that the United States is 'starting to talk to Cuba' while maintaining the pressure, and Cuba has implemented emergency measures to protect essential services like healthcare and electricity.
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