Cuba has run out of diesel and oil, energy minister says
Cuba's energy minister says the island has fully exhausted its diesel and crude oil reserves, calling the situation extremely tense. The shortage, which the government attributes to a US-led blockade, is causing widespread power cuts. Authorities say they are seeking emergency supplies.
Cuba's energy and mines minister announced that the country had fully exhausted its diesel and crude oil reserves and called the situation extremely tense. The minister said the shortage stemmed from a US-led oil blockade that had deepened over recent weeks.
Power cuts now reach up to 18 hours a day across much of the island. Hospitals, water systems and farms have been severely affected. The government also said food distribution had been disrupted and that remaining fuel for transport had been reserved for priority public services. Agricultural harvest operations have largely ground to a halt.
Havana said delays in routine shipments from Venezuela had contributed to the crisis. Authorities announced emergency supply talks were under way with Mexico and Russia. A US State Department spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment on the blockade allegations. Analysts expect the crisis to add fresh strain in the short term to Cuba's already troubled economy.
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