What's happened
As of February 10, Cuba faces a severe jet fuel shortage due to U.S. sanctions blocking oil supplies from Venezuela and Mexico. Airlines including Russia's Rossiya and Canada's Air Canada have suspended or limited flights, prompting evacuation plans for tourists. Cuba's energy crisis has led to widespread power outages, transport cuts, and economic disruptions, with Moscow pledging support amid escalating tensions.
What's behind the headline?
Geopolitical Pressure and Economic Impact
The fuel shortage in Cuba is a direct consequence of intensified U.S. sanctions aimed at isolating the island by choking off its vital oil imports, primarily from Venezuela and Mexico. This strategy leverages economic pressure to destabilize Cuba's socialist government, but it also severely disrupts civilian life and the tourism sector, a key revenue source.
Tourism and Transport Disruptions
With airlines like Rossiya and Air Canada suspending flights or operating outbound-only routes, thousands of tourists face evacuation, undermining Cuba's $3 billion tourism industry. The inability to refuel aircraft locally forces rerouting and technical stops, increasing operational costs and complicating travel logistics.
Domestic Consequences
Cuba's energy crisis has led to power outages lasting up to 10 hours, halted public transport, reduced bank hours, and suspended cultural events. These measures echo the hardships of the 1990s Special Period, signaling a deepening humanitarian challenge.
Russia's Role and Diplomatic Dynamics
Moscow, a traditional ally, condemns U.S. actions as attempts to "suffocate" Cuba and is coordinating repatriation flights and planning humanitarian aid shipments. This highlights the broader geopolitical contest in the region, with Russia positioning itself as a counterbalance to U.S. influence.
Forecast and Implications
The crisis will likely persist as long as sanctions remain, with Cuba's limited domestic fuel production unable to fill the gap. The humanitarian situation may worsen, prompting international calls for aid. The disruption to tourism and transport will have lasting economic effects, potentially increasing migration pressures and regional instability.
What the papers say
The Guardian's Pjotr Sauer details Russia's evacuation plans and Moscow's condemnation of U.S. sanctions, highlighting the geopolitical tensions: "Russia’s aviation authorities said... to bring tourists home before suspending services" and Moscow accusing Washington of trying to "suffocate" Cuba. Al Jazeera reports on the operational challenges faced by Russian airlines and Cuba's broader economic crisis, noting widespread power outages and transport cuts. The New York Times' Frances Robles emphasizes the impact on Canadian tourists and the tourism sector, quoting Air Canada's suspension of flights and Trump's executive order imposing tariffs on oil suppliers to Cuba. Reuters and AP News provide technical details on the jet fuel shortage and the official notices to airlines, underscoring the unprecedented scale of the crisis. Together, these sources paint a comprehensive picture of a multifaceted crisis driven by geopolitical conflict, economic sanctions, and their cascading effects on Cuba's society and international relations.
How we got here
U.S. President Donald Trump's administration intensified sanctions on Cuba by cutting off Venezuelan oil supplies and threatening tariffs on other suppliers. This has caused Cuba's jet fuel reserves to dwindle, forcing airlines to suspend flights and the government to impose strict rationing amid an ongoing economic crisis worsened by decades of sanctions.
Go deeper
- How are Russian tourists being evacuated from Cuba?
- What impact do U.S. sanctions have on Cuba's energy supply?
- How is the Cuban government managing the fuel shortage domestically?
Common question
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Why Is Cuba Facing a Severe Fuel Shortage Now?
Cuba is currently experiencing a critical fuel crisis, impacting daily life and the economy. This shortage is driven by a combination of external political pressures, sanctions, and supply disruptions from key allies like Venezuela. Many are wondering what caused this crisis, how it affects Cuba’s people, and whether relief is on the horizon. Below, we explore the main questions about Cuba’s fuel shortage and what it means for the future.
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Why Is Cuba Facing a Fuel Shortage Right Now?
Cuba is currently experiencing a severe fuel shortage, impacting daily life and the economy. This crisis is driven by external political pressures, supply disruptions, and regional factors. Many are wondering what caused this crisis, how it affects Cuba’s people, and whether it could spread to other Caribbean nations. Below, we answer the most common questions about this urgent situation.
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Why is Cuba facing a fuel shortage in 2026?
Cuba's ongoing energy crisis has become a major concern in 2026, with fuel shortages disrupting daily life and economic activities. Many wonder what caused this crisis and how it impacts the country. Below, we explore the key reasons behind Cuba's fuel shortage, its effects, and what the government is doing to address the situation.
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What Do Current News Stories Reveal About Broader Global Trends in 2026?
Today’s headlines highlight a range of pressing issues—from energy shortages in Cuba to rising healthcare costs in the US, and debates over transgender athletes. These stories aren’t isolated; they reflect larger economic, political, and social shifts shaping 2026. Curious about how these events connect and what they mean for the future? Keep reading to explore the bigger picture behind today’s news.
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Why Are Cuba Flights Being Grounded Now?
Recent developments have led to a significant disruption in Cuba's air travel, with many flights being canceled or suspended. This situation is driven by a severe fuel shortage caused by geopolitical tensions and sanctions. Curious about what's happening, how it affects travelers, and whether this crisis might spread? Below, we answer the most common questions about Cuba's current aviation and energy crisis.
More on these topics
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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.
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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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Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez (Latin American Spanish: [miˈɣel ˈdi.as kaˈnel]; born 20 April 1960) is a Cuban politician and engineer who has served as the 8th First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba, since 2021, and as the 17th president of Cub
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
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Air Canada is the flag carrier and the largest airline of Canada by fleet size and passengers carried. Air Canada maintains its headquarters in Montreal, Quebec.
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Mexico, officially the United Mexican States, is a country in the southern portion of North America. It is bordered to the north by the United States; to the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; to the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea
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Rossiya Airlines, sometimes branded as Rossiya—Russian Airlines, is one of the oldest and largest air carriers of the Russian Federation. It was founded on May 7, 1934. It is a part of Aeroflot Group. Rossiya is the largest and the base carrier of Pulko
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Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in