The government of socialist Cuba announced on Friday that it will implement extraordinary measures to secure economic activity and vital public services amid an ongoing oil blockade by the United States. Vice Prime Minister Óscar Pérez Oliva Fraga stated that the U.S. has enforced this "energy blockade" as part of an "aggressive escalation policy," posing a significant threat to Cuba's already struggling economy. The measures were briefly outlined by several ministers during a state television broadcast.

Since December, Cuba has ceased receiving oil supplies from Venezuela, following former President Donald Trump's orders to fully block sanctioned oil tankers transporting fuel from its South American ally. The situation has worsened for Havana after U.S. military forces detained Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro earlier this January, resulting in the loss of an important economic partner. Trump subsequently threatened to impose tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba, prompting Mexico, which had been a significant supplier, to halt its oil deliveries.

In an effort to conserve energy, Cuban public administration authorities announced various energy-saving initiatives. The country's economy, already burdened by long-standing sanctions and other external pressures, is facing a critical moment as these extraordinary measures are put in place. The implications of this blockade are severe, potentially exacerbating the humanitarian crisis within Cuba and underlining the strains on its relationship with the United States and its regional allies.