Cuba Faces Food and Power Shortages Amid U.S. Oil Restrictions and Tourist Exodus
Cuba is currently grappling with severe food and power shortages. These issues have escalated due to U.S. sanctions that restrict oil supplies and a significant decline in tourism. As a result, everyday life for many Cubans is at a breaking point.
Crisis Triggered by U.S. Restrictions
The U.S. has enforced strict sanctions on Cuba, directly impacting its oil supply. Traditionally reliant on Venezuela for oil, Cuba has seen its crude and refined products cut off since December 2022. This came after U.S. actions to block Venezuela’s exports amid political turmoil.
In late January, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at countries supplying oil to Cuba. These sanctions have severely restricted Cuba’s access to aviation gas and fuel necessary for its aging electrical grid. Power outages are now a common feature of daily life on the island.
Impact on Daily Life
Reports from Cuban residents highlight the grim realities they face. In Ciego De Avila, local business owner Isben Peralta shared his situation. He operates a small pizzeria and gets limited electricity for a few hours a day, often enduring long stretches without power.
- Power outages can extend up to 11 hours.
- Residents may receive power for only 30 minutes after long outages.
Peralta described the situation as “very, very bad,” emphasizing that many citizens struggle to find enough food. He noted that the scarcity affects those without a steady income, further exacerbating the crisis.
International Flight Suspensions
The situation worsened on a recent Sunday when Havana’s José Martí International Airport announced it was nearly out of jet fuel. Subsequently, major Canadian airlines suspended flights to the island, leaving tourists stranded and families without means to connect.
For example, Luis Escalona, a Canadian resident with family in Cuba, is now unable to visit and support his ailing mother. He had planned to transport essential medications but must now postpone his trip indefinitely.
Humanitarian Concerns
Mark Entwistle, a former Canadian ambassador to Cuba, indicated that the humanitarian crisis is likely to worsen. Even before the current sanctions, Cuba had faced long-standing shortages of food and medicine.
- Limited access to food and medicine has been an ongoing issue.
- Cuba’s energy situation has historically been challenging.
Entwistle suggested that Canada may need to intervene and offer humanitarian aid despite potential political backlash from the U.S.
The Resilience of the Cuban People
Regardless of these challenges, some residents demonstrate resilience. Sean Lulker, a Canadian living in Havana, noted that many businesses are still operating despite the obstacles posed by fuel shortages and power outages. He has adapted by using solar power and stocking essential supplies.
However, the overall sentiment remains bleak as people continue to navigate through this tough period. In Ciego De Avila, Peralta lamented that salaries do not cover the rising cost of food, revealing the dire conditions many Cubans currently endure.
