Cuba has instructed international airlines not to land on the island-nation for refueling, citing a shortage of oil and aviation kerosene as U.S. pressure on fuel suppliers intensifies.
The move follows President Donald Trump’s January declaration of a national emergency, in which he described Cuba as an extraordinary threat to the United States and warned of economic consequences for countries that continue supplying the island with oil.
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Oil-related tariff threat
On Jan. 29, Trump threatened to impose additional tariffs on any country that “directly or indirectly sells or otherwise provides any oil to Cuba.“ The administration has framed the policy as a national security measure, though critics describe it as a de facto blockade.
CNBC reports that Spain’s EFE news agency said Sunday that Cuba is expected to run out of aviation fuel as early as Monday. That shortage is projected to last at least one month and affect all international flights.
President calls Cuba ‘extraordinary threat’
In his executive order, Trump accused Cuba’s communist government of providing intelligence and defense cooperation to U.S. adversaries.
“The Government of Cuba has taken extraordinary actions that harm and threaten the United States,” the order states, citing ties to Russia, China, Iran, Hamas and Hezbollah.
Cuban response
Cuba’s Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, condemned the move, accusing Washington of blackmail and coercion aimed at forcing other nations to join what he described as an oil blockade against the island.
Venezuela factor
The fuel crunch follows U.S. military action in Venezuela earlier this year, which halted oil shipments from that country to Cuba. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said the island has not received any oil from Venezuela since the U.S. began operations by sea and land in December.
Mexico also suspended shipments of oil and other fuel products to Cuba, citing pressure from the Trump administration.
Fuel rationing expands
Cuba has begun rationing fuel as the energy crisis deepens. Measures include restrictions on fuel sales, closure of some tourism sites, shortened school days, and a reduced four-day workweek for government-owned companies.
Last week, the U.S. announced an additional $6 million in humanitarian aid to Cuba for food supplies, including rice, beans, and pasta, while warning Havana not to divert the assistance.
Russia reacts
The Kremlin responded Monday to Cuba’s worsening fuel situation, blaming U.S. pressure.
“The situation in Cuba is truly critical,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said. “We know this. We are in intensive contact with our Cuban friends through diplomatic and other channels. Indeed, let’s say the U.S.’s stranglehold is causing many difficulties for the country.”
