Cuba has temporarily suspended the supply of aviation fuel to international airlines for one month due to a sharp decline in oil stocks, a move that is expected to disrupt air travel and further strain the country’s fragile economy.

Cuban authorities announced that the decision was taken in response to worsening fuel shortages, which officials attribute largely to the long-standing U.S. embargo and reduced oil imports. As a result, international airlines operating flights to the island have been warned that jet fuel will not be available at Cuban airports during the suspension period.

International media report that the measure will force long-haul aircraft to make technical stopovers in other countries for refueling or to carry additional fuel from their departure points. Several foreign airlines have already suspended flights to Cuba, while others are organizing empty flights to repatriate approximately 3,000 passengers currently stranded on the island.

Deputy Prime Minister Oscar Perez-Oliva stated that the restrictions aim to prioritize fuel savings for essential sectors, particularly food supply and electricity generation, while protecting economic activities that generate foreign currency, including tourism.

The fuel shortage has also had a direct impact on daily life across the country. Rising fuel scarcity has contributed to increases in the prices of goods and services, with sharp hikes reported in food prices and taxi fares.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, in a statement made on February 6, said that Cuba has been unable to import any fuel since December. Condemning what he described as a “petroleum blockade,” Díaz-Canel criticized the policy as an aggressive attempt by a major power to suffocate a small nation, stressing that Cuba would continue to resist rather than surrender under pressure.

According to official estimates cited in international reports, Cuba requires around 110,000 barrels of oil per day to meet its energy needs. Venezuela, traditionally its main supplier, has reportedly been able to provide only about 30,000 barrels per day in 2025, leaving a significant shortfall.

The suspension of jet fuel supplies highlights the growing severity of Cuba’s energy crisis, which continues to affect transportation, electricity production, and the broader economy, while placing additional pressure on the island’s vital tourism sector. (ILKHA)