The United Nations has issued an urgent warning about an impending humanitarian collapse in Cuba as the United States intensifies efforts to completely blockade all oil supplies to the Caribbean nation. This alarming development comes amid severe fuel shortages that have triggered prolonged power outages across the island, including in the capital Havana, while simultaneously driving sharp increases in food and transportation costs.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric characterized the situation as ‘extremely concerning’ and cautioned that conditions would deteriorate further unless Cuba’s oil supply chain is secured. The warning follows more than three decades of repeated calls by the UN General Assembly for an end to the American trade embargo against Cuba, with Guterres now urging renewed dialogue and adherence to international law.
The current crisis stems from the longstanding political enmity between Washington and Havana dating back to the 1959 revolution. The U.S. imposed a comprehensive economic embargo in 1962 after Fidel Castro’s government nationalized American-owned enterprises, and this sanctions regime has remained largely intact ever since.
Cuba’s economy, already severely impacted by these measures, had previously relied on Venezuelan oil imports. These critical supplies were disrupted following controversial U.S. actions involving Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. President Donald Trump subsequently asserted control over Venezuelan oil resources and explicitly pledged to deprive Cuba of fuel, labeling the island nation an ‘unusual and extraordinary threat.’ The administration has further threatened imposing high tariffs on countries attempting to supply Cuba with oil, causing particular concern in Mexico.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed her government would employ all diplomatic channels to maintain oil shipments to Cuba while avoiding potential economic repercussions from U.S. tariffs. Mexico has announced plans to send humanitarian assistance and is negotiating with Washington for permission to deliver oil, though no agreement has been reached thus far.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel condemned Trump’s threats as an attempt to ‘strangle the Cuban economy under false pretenses’ and declared an ‘international emergency.’ According to data from analytics firm Kpler, Cuba currently possesses sufficient oil reserves for only 15-20 days of consumption.
The U.S. Embassy in Cuba has additionally advised American citizens to prepare for ‘significant disruptions’ due to power outages and fuel shortages. Despite these tensions, both nations acknowledge maintaining backchannel communications, though these contacts have not yet evolved into formal diplomatic dialogue.