In Havana, the scarcity of fuel has led to the paralysis of most garbage collection trucks, creating a significant public health threat as waste accumulates throughout the city. The blockade imposed by the United States has severely restricted petroleum exports from Venezuela, resulting in a drastic decline in fuel availability necessary for sanitation services. As a consequence, residents are witnessing heaps of cardboard boxes, plastic bags, and other refuse littering the streets, with some even rummaging through the garbage for reusable materials.

Reports indicate that only 44 out of 106 garbage trucks in Havana are currently operational, reflecting the extent of the fuel crisis impacting waste management in the city. The situation is exacerbated by a broader political crisis, particularly following the capture of former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro, which investigators say has further complicated the already strained oil supply. This waste accumulation poses not only an aesthetic concern but a looming public health crisis, as stagnant waste can lead to disease outbreaks and worsen living conditions in the densely populated capital.

Additionally, Russia has indicated plans to soon send crude oil and fuel shipments to Cuba, which may offer a potential lifeline for the beleaguered nation as it grapples with this dire fuel shortage. However, the long-term implications of reliance on external oil sources amid ongoing geopolitical tensions remain uncertain. The situation in Havana serves as a poignant reminder of how international politics can directly impact the everyday lives of ordinary citizens, particularly in nations like Cuba that are already facing significant economic challenges.