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Thursday, Jan 29, 2026
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Cuba Warns It Has Only Weeks of Oil Remaining as US Pressure Tightens
Officials say fuel reserves are critically low, raising the risk of deeper power shortages and economic disruption across the island.
Cuba’s government has warned that the country may have as little as 15 to 20 days of oil remaining, underscoring the severity of its ongoing energy crisis as the United States increases economic pressure under President Donald Trump.
The announcement highlights the fragile state of Cuba’s fuel supply, which underpins electricity generation, transportation, and basic industrial activity.
With limited domestic production, the island relies heavily on imported oil, leaving it vulnerable to external shocks, financing constraints, and tightening sanctions.
Cuban officials have linked the shortage to growing difficulty securing shipments and maintaining stable supply lines.
The country has faced repeated blackouts in recent years, and low reserves could intensify rationing and disrupt daily life for households and businesses.
The Trump administration has moved to strengthen restrictions on Cuba, part of a broader strategy aimed at isolating the communist government and cutting off revenue streams.
Havana argues that these measures exacerbate shortages by discouraging trade and complicating payments and logistics.
Cuba’s economic troubles have been compounded by inflation, weak tourism recovery, and chronic shortages of food and medicine.
Energy scarcity adds another layer of strain, as fuel is essential not only for power plants but also for agriculture, shipping, and public services.
The crisis also carries regional implications.
Cuba has historically depended on oil arrangements with allies, but shifting geopolitics and financial pressures have reduced the reliability of external support, leaving Havana with fewer options.
For the Cuban leadership, the immediate priority is securing new shipments and preventing a collapse of the electricity grid.
For Washington, the tightening measures are framed as leverage for political change, though critics warn they often hit ordinary citizens hardest.
What to watch next:
- Whether Cuba secures emergency oil deliveries in the coming weeks
- The scale of potential power rationing or nationwide outages
- Any new US sanctions or enforcement measures targeting energy flows
- Humanitarian and economic impacts if fuel shortages persist
- Diplomatic outreach by Havana to alternative suppliers
The announcement highlights the fragile state of Cuba’s fuel supply, which underpins electricity generation, transportation, and basic industrial activity.
With limited domestic production, the island relies heavily on imported oil, leaving it vulnerable to external shocks, financing constraints, and tightening sanctions.
Cuban officials have linked the shortage to growing difficulty securing shipments and maintaining stable supply lines.
The country has faced repeated blackouts in recent years, and low reserves could intensify rationing and disrupt daily life for households and businesses.
The Trump administration has moved to strengthen restrictions on Cuba, part of a broader strategy aimed at isolating the communist government and cutting off revenue streams.
Havana argues that these measures exacerbate shortages by discouraging trade and complicating payments and logistics.
Cuba’s economic troubles have been compounded by inflation, weak tourism recovery, and chronic shortages of food and medicine.
Energy scarcity adds another layer of strain, as fuel is essential not only for power plants but also for agriculture, shipping, and public services.
The crisis also carries regional implications.
Cuba has historically depended on oil arrangements with allies, but shifting geopolitics and financial pressures have reduced the reliability of external support, leaving Havana with fewer options.
For the Cuban leadership, the immediate priority is securing new shipments and preventing a collapse of the electricity grid.
For Washington, the tightening measures are framed as leverage for political change, though critics warn they often hit ordinary citizens hardest.
What to watch next:
- Whether Cuba secures emergency oil deliveries in the coming weeks
- The scale of potential power rationing or nationwide outages
- Any new US sanctions or enforcement measures targeting energy flows
- Humanitarian and economic impacts if fuel shortages persist
- Diplomatic outreach by Havana to alternative suppliers
