Cuba is grappling with a substantial energy crisis, the result of ongoing U.S. sanctions that have curtailed oil and fuel supplies particularly from Venezuela. In response to the dwindling resource availability, the Cuban government has initiated fuel rationing, an unprecedented measure in the nation’s history. This rationing comes in the wake of significant challenges to maintain energy availability amid international pressures and economic difficulties.

European airlines are seeking contingency plans to continue service to Cuba, with Spanish carrier Air Europa exploring stopovers in the Caribbean to ensure full fuel tanks before arriving in Cuba. In contrast, major U.S. airlines, including American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, which operate from nearby Florida, have not yet felt the direct impact of this crisis. The urgency felt by European operators highlights the wider implications of Cuba's energy woes on international travel and commerce.

In conjunction with the fuel limitations, the Cuban government has assured that essential sectors such as agriculture, education, water supply, health, and defense will be exempt from these cuts to mitigate the impact on national stability. Tourism, a crucial economic driver for the island, will also be preserved, which indicates the government’s strategic focus on maintaining service in the face of adversity, emphasizing resilience amidst the crisis and the hope for future recovery.