Cuba’s ongoing energy shortfall has escalated into a full-scale crisis, with aviation authorities announcing a suspension of jet fuel supplies at major airports, including Havana’s José Martí International. The move, effective from February 10 through at least March 11, stems from tightened U.S. sanctions under President Donald Trump that have severed the island’s key oil imports from Venezuela and Mexico.
The fuel ban has prompted several international airlines to suspend or reroute services. Air Canada, a major carrier to the island, has halted flights and is sending empty planes to repatriate about 3,000 stranded passengers. WestJet and Air Transat have followed suit, canceling routes while arranging alternative stops in nearby countries like the Dominican Republic for refueling. This disruption hits Cuba’s tourism sector hard, a critical revenue source that draws millions of visitors annually, including from Canada and Europe.
On the ground, the shortages have led to strict rationing measures. Gas stations across the country have imposed limits, such as five gallons per vehicle, with many outlets running dry. Drivers report long waits and empty pumps, leaving streets unusually quiet as personal and public transport grinds to a halt. The government has rolled out emergency steps to conserve resources, including shortened workdays for state offices, reduced school schedules, and cuts to bus and train services.
Residents in Havana and other cities describe daily life as increasingly difficult. Blackouts have grown more frequent, affecting homes, businesses, and essential services. Some compare the situation to the “Special Period” of the 1990s, when the collapse of Soviet aid triggered widespread hardship. In response, people are turning to alternatives like cooking with charcoal or wood, and electric bikes for short trips where possible.
The crisis traces back to U.S. actions aimed at isolating Cuba economically. Following U.S. intervention in Venezuela earlier this year, oil shipments from that ally dried up. Trump’s executive order in late January threatened tariffs on any nation supplying fuel to Cuba, pressuring Mexico’s Pemex to stop deliveries. With limited domestic production, Cuba now relies on sporadic aid from allies like Russia and China, who have pledged support but face their own constraints.
Mexico has labeled the U.S. measures as unjust and sent limited humanitarian shipments, while debating further assistance without risking trade penalties. Russia has called the fuel situation critical and criticized U.S. tactics as an attempt to suffocate the island. China has echoed calls for respecting Cuba’s sovereignty amid the shortages.
The aviation halt adds to broader economic strains. Public services have been scaled back, with banks operating fewer hours and events like the Havana International Book Fair postponed. Hospitals are prioritizing urgent cases, and some factories have idled operations to save power.
Cuban leaders, including President Miguel Díaz-Canel, have acknowledged the acute fuel deficit and vowed to protect essential services. They blame external pressures for the downturn, insisting the measures are temporary steps to weather the storm. Yet, with no new oil tankers arriving since December, uncertainty looms over how long the island can sustain itself.
This development resonates across Latin America, where energy security remains a shared concern. In Central America, including Costa Rica, observers note the potential ripple effects on regional tourism and migration patterns if Cuba’s economy weakens further. Local experts point out that while Costa Rica has no direct fuel ties to Cuba, the crisis highlights vulnerabilities in global supply chains that could influence broader trade dynamics.
As the shortages persist, Cubans adapt with resilience honed from past challenges. Neighbors share resources, and informal networks help distribute scarce goods. Still, the pressure mounts on the government to find solutions, even as geopolitical tensions complicate any quick resolution.
The path ahead remains unclear, with the fuel ban set to test Cuba’s endurance through March. International reactions continue to pour in, but tangible relief appears distant as the island navigates this latest hardship.
