What's happened
Venezuela has not sent oil to Cuba for about a month due to U.S. sanctions and political upheaval, risking severe fuel shortages. Cuba's government vows to resist U.S. pressure, but residents face blackouts, fuel rationing, and economic hardship amid declining supplies and limited international support.
What's behind the headline?
The current crisis exposes Cuba's vulnerability to external sanctions and political shifts. The loss of Venezuelan oil, which previously covered half of Cuba's energy deficit, will likely lead to worsening blackouts and economic decline. The U.S. strategy aims to pressure Cuba by tightening sanctions, but it risks deepening humanitarian suffering. Cuba's government remains defiant, but the lack of support from allies and dwindling reserves suggest the island's energy crisis will intensify, potentially prompting internal unrest or increased reliance on limited imports from Mexico and Russia. This situation underscores Cuba's fragile economic stability and the geopolitical risks of U.S. sanctions, which may ultimately push Cuba toward more severe hardship or diplomatic shifts.
What the papers say
The Japan Times reports that Cuba's fuel shortages are worsening due to the halt in Venezuelan shipments, with the last cargo sent in mid-December. Reuters highlights the U.S. seizure of Venezuelan and Russian tankers, intensifying Cuba's energy crisis. Both sources emphasize the limited support Cuba receives from allies and the growing hardship faced by residents, with many living in near-19th-century conditions. The articles collectively portray a dire outlook for Cuba's energy future, driven by external sanctions and internal political resilience.
How we got here
Venezuela was Cuba's largest oil supplier in 2025, providing roughly one-third of the island's daily needs. U.S. sanctions and political instability, including the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, have halted shipments. Cuba relies on imports from Mexico and limited support from allies like Russia and Angola, but these are insufficient to meet demand. The situation worsened after the U.S. seized Venezuelan tankers and increased sanctions, further blocking oil flows to Cuba.
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Common question
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Why Is Cuba Facing an Oil Shortage Now?
Cuba is currently experiencing a severe oil shortage, mainly due to the halt in Venezuelan oil shipments caused by U.S. sanctions and political upheaval. This crisis has led to widespread power outages, fuel rationing, and economic hardship for residents. But what exactly is causing this shortage, and what does it mean for Cuba's future? Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this urgent energy crisis.
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Venezuela, officially the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, is a country on the northern coast of South America, consisting of a continental landmass and many small islands and islets in the Caribbean Sea.
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Cuba, officially the Republic of Cuba, is a country comprising the island of Cuba as well as Isla de la Juventud and several minor archipelagos. Cuba is located in the northern Caribbean where the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean meet.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.