Cuba Fuel Shortage: Canadians Stranded in Hotels

Cuba Faces Tourism Crisis as Fuel Shortages Force Hotel Closures and Tourist Relocations

A severe fuel shortage is gripping Cuba, leading to the closure of resorts and the relocation of tourists, including many Canadians, as the island nation struggles with widespread shortages of essential resources. The situation, which is impacting the crucial tourism sector, has prompted Canada to upgrade its travel advisory for the country to “exercise a high degree of caution.”

The crisis came to light as Canadian tourists vacationing in Cayo Coco began being “consolidated” into a single hotel area, according to reports. Vicky Volovik, a Canadian tourist currently in Cayo Coco, explained that the move is a direct result of insufficient fuel supplies. “They don’t have enough fuel,” Volovik told CTV News. “They’re trying to save energy by grouping everyone in the same hotel.” She noted that while she hasn’t personally experienced shortages within her hotel, the impact on Cuban workers is devastating.

“I saw a lot of tears, a lot of crying,” Volovik said. “The people are very upset because all the workers here practically lost their jobs and their livelihoods… the people here are suffering right now.” The situation highlights the broader economic challenges facing Cuba, where shortages of electricity, fuel, food, water, and medicine are becoming increasingly acute.

The Canadian government updated its travel advice on February 4, 2026, warning Canadians that these worsening shortages could affect resorts and disrupt flight availability on short notice. The advisory states, “Exercise a high degree of caution in Cuba due to worsening shortages of electricity, fuel and basic necessities including food, water and medicine, which can also affect resorts.”

The fuel crisis is not only impacting tourists but also the livelihoods of countless Cubans who depend on the tourism industry. In Cayo Coco, and other similar areas, many employees do not reside on the cays themselves, meaning the loss of employment has a ripple effect extending beyond the immediate resort areas. The closures and consolidations are exacerbating an already difficult situation for the Cuban population.

For decades, tourism has been a vital source of revenue for Cuba, generating up to $3 billion US annually. Canadians have historically been the largest group of visitors, drawn by the warm climate, beaches, and relatively affordable prices. However, the current shortages threaten to undermine this crucial economic lifeline.

The situation is described as “unpredictable” and potentially subject to further deterioration. The fuel shortage is impacting not only the tourism sector but also daily life for Cubans, with power outages and limited access to basic necessities becoming increasingly common. The crisis underscores the fragility of the Cuban economy and its dependence on external factors.

The unfolding events are raising concerns among travel industry professionals and prompting some Canadians to reconsider their travel plans. While the full extent of the impact remains to be seen, the current situation paints a grim picture for Cuba’s tourism sector and the country as a whole.