Amid US economic pressure, Havana is grappling with one of its most severe energy crises in years
Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandr Novak has stated that the Russian government is contemplating possible support measures for Cuba, which is currently facing a major energy crisis.
Due to US economic pressure and restrictions on suppliers, oil deliveries to the Caribbean nation have significantly decreased.
After a government report to the State Duma on Wednesday, when speaking to reporters, Novak said that proposals regarding this issue were being discussed at the cabinet level. “The inter – governmental commission on trade and economic cooperation between Russia and Cuba is handling this,” he stated.
Shortages of fuel and electricity outages have compelled the Cuban government to implement emergency measures. These include a four – day workweek for state enterprises, limitations on fuel sales, reductions in bus and rail services between provinces, and the temporary closure of certain tourist facilities. The Cuban authorities have informed airlines that they will halt the supply of aviation fuel for a month because of the deteriorating crisis. Long – haul flights from the island have been forced to make refueling stops at airports in neighboring countries.
US President Donald Trump commended his strategy of economically isolating the island nation as a way to force Havana to make concessions. The fuel crisis worsened after US forces abducted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in early January, cutting off Caracas’s oil exports, which are a crucial source for import – dependent Cuba.
Last month, Trump accused the Cuban government of allying with “hostile countries, transnational terrorist groups and malign actors” and claimed that economic pressure would make Havana “want to make a deal.” He warned that if no deal was reached, Cuba could face a US military incursion similar to the one in Venezuela, stating that American forces could seize Cuban President Miguel Diaz – Canel “without much difficulty.” Havana rejected threats and coercion, stating that talks must be based on equality and respect.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, during a meeting with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla in Moscow last week, criticized what he called the US “blockade” of Cuba, describing the restrictions as “completely unacceptable.” Parrilla thanked Russia for its “extraordinary and unwavering solidarity.”