Feb 9 • 01:20 UTC 🇲🇽 Mexico El Financiero (ES)

'They have 24 hours left': Airlines in Cuba will run out of fuel this Monday

Cuba's government has warned international airlines that the country will run out of aviation fuel due to a U.S. oil blockade starting Monday.

The Cuban government has alerted international airlines operating in the country that starting Monday, February 9, Cuba will be out of aviation fuel, as reported by EFE. This shortage is attributed to an increased oil blockade imposed by the United States, following a presidential order signed by Donald Trump on January 29. The order threatens tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba, labeling the island a national security risk. As a result, airlines are facing major operational disruptions that could severely impact air travel to and from the island.

In response to the energy crisis, Cuba, which currently produces only about one-third of its energy needs, has announced a strict emergency plan aimed at surviving without crude oil imports. This plan includes measures such as stopping the sale of diesel, reducing operating hours for hospitals and state offices, as well as closing some hotels. The government is clearly struggling to manage the energy scarcity, and these measures are expected to have significant implications for everyday life in Cuba and its tourism industry.

In a show of solidarity, Mexico's Secretary of Foreign Relations announced the shipment of over 814 tons of food supplies to Cuba this Sunday. This assistance highlights the regional support in response to the humanitarian crisis exacerbated by the U.S. embargo and its repercussions on Cuba's ability to procure essential resources. The ongoing situation is critical as the Cuban economy, reliant on tourism and external support, faces increasingly severe constraints due to geopolitical tensions.

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