Cuba's government has informed airlines operating in and out of the country of a temporary suspension of kerosene supplies for one month starting from February 10, a decision that highlights the severity of the island's ongoing energy crisis. The announcement was made by an anonymous official from a European airline, asserting that none of the airlines would receive jet fuel during this period. This measure reflects the escalating challenges Cuba faces in managing its energy resources amid external pressures.

The suspension comes at a time when Cuba is grappling with severe power shortages, primarily due to a halt in oil shipments from Venezuela as a result of U.S. sanctions. U.S. authorities have threatened to impose tariffs on countries that continue to sell oil to Havana, complicating Cuba’s ability to secure essential energy supplies. This escalation underscores the intricate relationship between U.S. foreign policy and Cuba’s energy crisis, revealing the far-reaching implications of international sanctions on smaller nations.

Cuba does not produce oil in commercially viable quantities and relies heavily on imports for its energy needs, particularly from countries like Venezuela and Russia. The interruption in kerosene supplies risks exacerbating the already critical situation, as any delays or shortages in fuel shipments can quickly deplete the available reserves, ultimately impacting the country's economic stability and the day-to-day lives of its citizens.