Cuba says oil and diesel supplies have run dry under U.S. sanctions
CNBC • • general
Key Points:
- Cuba has run out of crude oil and diesel due to a U.S. blockade that has blocked fuel shipments since January, causing severe energy shortages and blackouts lasting up to 22 hours daily in Havana.
- Cuban Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy described the situation as "extremely tense," with no fuel reserves and the national grid in a "critical state," leading to protests in Havana demanding power restoration.
- The island nation was heavily reliant on Venezuelan oil, but supply was cut off following the U.S. military operation targeting Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
- The U.S. State Department offered $100 million in aid to Cuba, emphasizing that the Cuban government's acceptance of this assistance is crucial and that Washington seeks reforms to Cuba's communist system.
- Former President Trump indicated upcoming talks with Cuba, stating the U.S. would engage in discussions to provide help, though details and timing remain unspecified.