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First modification: 02/09/2026 - 17:38 Last modification: 02/09/2026 - 17:44

The Cuban Government announced a package of measures aimed at mitigating the effects of the United States oil siege, while fuel shortages worsen. Mexico announced the delivery of humanitarian aid, although it confirmed that crude oil shipments to the island are suspended, amid threats from Washington. For its part, Moscow warned that it will continue sending oil to the Latin American country despite Donald Trump's tariff warnings.

The suspension of the sale of diesel, the closure of some offices and hotels and the limitation of transportation and public services are part of a strict package of emergency measures that the Cuban Government began to apply to confront the United States oil blockade.

According to the EFE news agency, the crisis has reached such a level that the Executive of Miguel Díaz-Canel had to warn the international airlines that operate on the island that as of this Monday, February 9, the country will run out of aviation fuel.

The Cimex corporation, of the GAESA business conglomerate (in the hands of the military), explained that “until conditions allow, sales of fuel in Cuban pesos and the marketing of diesel in dollars for citizens will be postponed.”

The deputy prime minister, Óscar Pérez-Oliva Fraga, announced last Friday, February 6, that the little fuel the nation has will be prioritized for "essential services", electricity generation, "health services", water supply, defense activities and to "guarantee the sustainability of those sectors that generate income in foreign currency", such as tourism.

Meanwhile, some banks will readjust their opening hours, while cultural activities such as the Havana International Book Fair have been postponed “until further notice.”

The implementation of teleworking in state companies and the relocation of employees to other jobs, as well as the implementation of blended classes in university centers are other measures announced.

Read alsoDue to lack of fuel, Cuba warns that it will not be able to supply planes within 24 hours

Mexico announces additional aid, but no oil

Cuba needs to import fuel for two-thirds of its energy needs and faces worsening blackouts and long lines at gas stations.

Shipments of Venezuelan oil to the island ceased after the US blockade of tankers from that country in December and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro on January 3, which left Mexico as Cuba's main supplier.

However, in mid-January, the Government of Claudia Sheinbaum stopped shipments of crude oil and refined products under pressure from the Trump Administration, which threatened to impose tariffs on anyone who supplied crude oil to the Caribbean island.

This Monday, February 9, Sheinbaum confirmed that crude oil shipments from his country to Cuba are suspended, while his Government negotiates with Washington to resume oil shipments without provoking retaliation from the United States Administration.

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Likewise, the president pointed out that her Administration will continue to send humanitarian aid to the island, while describing it as "very unfair" that the United States imposes tariffs on countries that export oil to Cuban territory, because it is a measure that mainly affects the population.

"There will be more support. The people of Mexico are always supportive. No one can ignore the situation that the people of Cuba are experiencing at this moment due to the sanctions that are being imposed on any country that sends oil from the United States in a very unfair way," declared Sheinbaum during his morning press conference.

On Sunday, February 8, the Mexican Executive indicated that it sent around 814 tons of food to Cuba as a symbol of "solidarity and humanitarian aid."

Read alsoCuba in the dark: blackouts, shortages and the routine of resisting

Russia accuses the Trump government of "suffocating" Cuba

The Government of Vladimir Putin, in turn, described the situation as “critical” and stressed that the United States' attempts to "suffocate" the island's economy are causing numerous difficulties.

"The suffocating tactics used by the United States are causing a lot of difficulties for the country. We are discussing with our Cuban friends possible ways to resolve these problems, or at least to provide all possible assistance," Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov told reporters.

The United Nations (UN) has already warned that Cuba runs the risk of humanitarian collapse if it does not receive oil to meet its needs.

Read alsoCuba against the wall: what is known about the rapprochements between Havana and Washington?

With Reuters, AP and EFE

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