Cuba: Society

Domestic

A major fuel shortage in Cuba has led to a garbage crisis, with trash piling up in the streets of Havana because collection trucks cannot run. The United Nations has warned of a potential humanitarian collapse due to the dwindling oil supplies. Residents are struggling to meet basic needs amid the dire situation and unusual cold weather.

International

US sanctions are blocking oil and fuel from reaching Cuba, creating a severe shortage that has halted garbage collection, forced the rationing of health services, and disrupted airline flights. The United Nations has reiterated its warning of a potential humanitarian collapse. Concurrently, some reports indicate the US is considering or providing some humanitarian aid while maintaining broader restrictions on oil supplies.

Mexico has sent two ships carrying 800 tonnes of humanitarian aid, including food and supplies but not oil. Mexico's president, Claudia Sheinbaum, promised to send more aid, stated it is unjust to isolate the Cuban people, and her political party, Morena, launched a public donation drive. Separately, Spain has announced it will send aid like food and medicine through the UN, but not fuel.