Cuba runs out of fuel: new alert from Havana for kerosene and diesel
Cuba has warned international airlines that jet fuel will no longer be available on the island starting Tuesday due to rapid deterioration of conditions amid impending cuts from the United States.
Cuba has recently issued a warning to international airlines informing them that jet fuel, particularly kerosene, will no longer be available starting Tuesday. This announcement highlights a rapid worsening of the island's fuel supply situation, as the United States moves closer to cutting its oil supply to the communist nation. This fuel deficit is expected to last from February 10 to March 11, as noted in a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) released late Sunday evening.
Moreover, the warning comes just two days after officials claimed that air travel would not be affected by a newly announced fuel rationing plan. Historically, Cuba has relied heavily on Venezuela for jet fuel supplies, but it has not received crude oil or refined products from its main ally since mid-December, when the U.S. began obstructing the South American nationβs oil exports. This disruption poses significant challenges for Cuba's aviation sector and could further exacerbate the country's already critical economic situation.
The implications of this fuel shortage are severe for Cuba, which has been struggling with its economy amidst various sanctions and a lack of resources. The interruption in fuel supply not only threatens the operations of international flights but also raises concerns about the overall mobility and trade within the island, potentially leading to broader impacts on local life and the economy. The situation could prompt the Cuban government to seek alternative solutions to address its fuel crisis in the short term, potentially influencing its diplomatic relations within the region.