Havana – – Cuba is facing a deepening crisis as severe fuel shortages cripple the island’s economy and force the suspension of numerous international flights, including most services to and from Russia. The situation, exacerbated by a United States policy described by Moscow as an “oil blockade,” is prompting the evacuation of foreign tourists and raising concerns about the stability of the already fragile Cuban state.
Russia’s federal aviation regulator, Rosaviatsia, announced on that airlines Rossiya and Nordwind would adjust their flight schedules, operating return flights from Havana and Varadero to Moscow solely to evacuate Russian citizens. The regulator cited “difficulties with refuelling aircraft in Cuba” as the reason for the changes. Approximately 5,000 Russian tourists are believed to be currently on the island, according to the Russian Association of Tour Operators.
The fuel crisis stems from the United States curtailing oil supplies to Cuba, following the detention of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in early January. Venezuela has historically been a key supplier of oil to Cuba, and the disruption of this trade has had a cascading effect on the island’s energy sector. Russia’s Ministry of Economic Development has advised its citizens against travel to Cuba, acknowledging the severity of the situation.
The impact on tourism, a vital source of foreign currency for Cuba, is already significant. Air Canada has suspended all operations to the island until . Spanish airlines Iberia and Air Europa are implementing technical stops in Santo Domingo for refueling, while offering refunds and ticket changes. Aeroméxico remains the only carrier currently maintaining its regular flight schedule. The closures and disruptions are leading to the relocation of visitors to higher-category hotels, a temporary measure that underscores the broader economic strain.
The energy crisis extends beyond aviation. Reports indicate widespread power outages and fuel rationing affecting daily life for Cubans. The situation is particularly acute in Havana, where businesses are struggling to operate and residents face long queues for limited supplies. The closure of hotels, like the Metropolis in Havana’s historic center, signals a broader contraction in the tourism sector, leaving workers facing uncertainty and potential job losses.
The current crisis builds upon existing economic challenges. Cuba has been grappling with shortages of basic goods for some time, a situation that predates the recent fuel restrictions. These shortages, combined with the escalating energy crisis, are repelling potential visitors and further damaging the island’s tourism industry, as noted in reports from .
While the United States is being blamed by Russia for engineering the crisis, the situation is viewed differently by some within Cuba. One Cuban citizen, speaking to TVA Nouvelles, expressed a desire for a U.S. Takeover, highlighting the depth of frustration with the current economic and political conditions. This sentiment, while not representative of the entire population, underscores the growing discontent on the island.
The unfolding events raise questions about Cuba’s long-term economic viability and its reliance on external support. Russia, China, and Venezuela have historically provided assistance to Cuba, but the current crisis demonstrates the limitations of these partnerships. The suspension of flights and the evacuation of tourists are likely to further exacerbate the economic downturn, potentially leading to increased social unrest.
The situation is being closely monitored by international observers, who are assessing the potential for humanitarian consequences and the broader geopolitical implications of the crisis. The United States’ role in the unfolding events remains a point of contention, with Russia accusing Washington of deliberately targeting Cuba’s economy. The long-term effects of the fuel shortage and the resulting disruption to tourism remain to be seen, but the immediate outlook for Cuba is bleak.
The crisis also highlights the vulnerability of small island nations to external economic pressures and the importance of diversified energy sources. Cuba’s reliance on imported oil has left it particularly susceptible to disruptions in global supply chains and geopolitical tensions. The current situation may prompt a reevaluation of Cuba’s energy policies and a greater focus on renewable energy sources, such as solar power, as evidenced by individual initiatives like the solar-powered water heater systems being installed by residents in Havana province.
