Cuba has enacted urgent fuel conservation measures in response to a crippling US energy blockade that has severely disrupted daily life across the island nation. The Cuban government announced Monday that international airlines would no longer have access to aircraft fuel starting Tuesday, prompting Air Canada to immediately suspend all flights to Cuba.
The streets of Havana fell unusually quiet as the emergency protocols took effect, designed to preserve rapidly diminishing fuel reserves. In response to what officials describe as economically paralyzing pressure from the Trump administration, the government has implemented reduced work weeks for state enterprises, curtailed school hours, and restricted fuel sales to essential services only.
Additional austerity measures include the closure of hotels with low occupancy rates and the consolidation of tourists into fewer accommodations. Popular resort destinations such as Varadero and other provincial areas are experiencing hotel shutdowns, according to anonymous tourism industry professionals.
The fuel shortage has created widespread uncertainty among Cuba’s 9.6 million residents. Public transportation has been drastically reduced, while taxi operators have significantly increased fares. Many citizens now face extended waiting periods for transportation, complicating daily routines and economic activities.
This latest crisis compounds Cuba’s longstanding economic challenges, which have persisted under a US trade embargo since 1962. The situation deteriorated further when Venezuela—formerly Cuba’s primary oil supplier—ceased deliveries following last month’s US intervention that resulted in the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The Trump administration has threatened tariffs against any nation continuing to supply Cuba with petroleum products.
The looming fuel shortages threaten to trigger large-scale power outages across the island. Officials confirmed Sunday that Cuba cannot refuel long-haul flights for at least one month, severely impacting international connectivity.
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez condemned the US blockade as “cruel aggression” designed to break the political will of the Cuban people. While reaffirming Cuba’s openness to dialogue, Rodríguez emphasized that any discussions must occur on Cuba’s own terms.
Mexico, previously Cuba’s second-largest oil source after Venezuela, has expressed support for Cuba and initiated diplomatic talks with the US to resume oil exports. President Claudia Sheinbaum warned of an impending humanitarian crisis but stated Mexico cannot expose itself to US tariffs. Mexico recently dispatched over 800 tons of humanitarian aid to Cuba.
The Russian government has also denounced US measures as “suffocating” and is collaborating with Cuba to provide assistance during the crisis.