Cuba Halts Jet Fuel Supplies to Airlines Amid Deepening Energy Crisis
Cuba has officially notified airlines that it will suspend all jet fuel supplies for a period of one month, citing a severe energy crisis directly linked to recent United States actions against Venezuela. This critical announcement was confirmed by an official from a European carrier on Sunday, who spoke to AFP under strict conditions of anonymity.
Immediate Impact on Aviation Operations
According to the official, carriers serving the communist-run island have been informed that starting from midnight Monday into Tuesday, they will be unable to refuel their aircraft in Cuba. This unprecedented move forces airlines operating long-distance flights from Cuba to make additional stops elsewhere to obtain necessary jet fuel. In response, Air France has already stated that its planes will now refuel at alternative locations within the Caribbean region.
The suspension is a direct consequence of a US-ordered halt in oil shipments from Venezuela, following the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro by American troops. This disruption has severely impacted Cuba's energy infrastructure, prompting the government to implement emergency measures to address the escalating crisis.
Emergency Measures and Economic Strain
On Friday, the Cuban government unveiled a series of belt-tightening measures designed to conserve energy. These include instituting a four-day work week for state-owned companies, imposing restrictions on fuel sales, and reducing bus and train services between provinces. Additionally, certain tourist establishments have been ordered to close temporarily.
The educational sector is also affected, with school days being shortened and universities relaxing requirements for in-person attendance. These steps highlight the profound economic strain facing the island, as power cuts and fuel shortages, which have been recurrent in recent years, have now become even more acute.
US Pressure and Diplomatic Tensions
Washington has significantly increased pressure on Cuba's communist government in recent weeks. The United States cut off oil deliveries from Venezuela, Cuba's key ally, after the ouster of Maduro in early January. Furthermore, President Donald Trump signed an executive order allowing the US to impose tariffs on countries that continue to sell oil to Havana.
Trump specifically mentioned that Mexico, which has been supplying Cuba with oil since 2023, would cease doing so under the threat of US tariffs. These actions have threatened to plunge Cuba into complete darkness, with power plants struggling to maintain electricity supply.
Havana has accused Trump of attempting to "strangle" the island's economy, while Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel expressed willingness to hold talks with the United States, but emphasized that such discussions cannot occur under pressure. The ongoing energy crisis underscores the long-standing US objective to weaken or overthrow the communist-led Cuban government, adding another layer of complexity to bilateral relations.
