CUBA: Due to an ongoing US blockade, Cuba currently has no reserves of diesel or fuel oil, according to the country’s energy minister.
Vicente de la O Levy stated, “We have no fuel oil, no diesel,” as reported by local media. He said the nation’s energy system is in a “critical” condition and confirmed that Cuba has no stored fuel or diesel.
Despite ongoing negotiations to import fuel, the minister noted that rising global oil and transportation costs, intensified by the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, are making imports increasingly difficult.
He added, “Cuba is open to anyone willing to sell us fuel.” Cuba produces around 40,000 barrels of oil per day but consumes between 90,000 and 110,000 barrels, relying heavily on imports that have now largely stopped.
On Tuesday, the government announced plans to deregulate fuel prices, ending the fixed-price system amid US economic sanctions and worsening shortages.
The island is facing a severe fuel crisis, worsened by the US oil embargo imposed on January 30, along with widespread power outages.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly warned that Cuba is the “next” target after the US conflicts with Iran, suggesting the country could face collapse.