Cuba Announces Emergency Plan to Counter Fuel Shortage Amid US Sanctions
Havana. Cuba has announced a nationwide emergency plan to avert a fuel crisis following disruptions to its supply caused by the United States. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel unveiled the strategy to manage the fuel shortage at a special press conference on Thursday, effective from next week.
The island nation has seen soaring prices for food and transportation, and widespread blackouts after the US threatened heavy tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba. President Díaz-Canel described the US actions as "aggressive and criminal," stating they have severely impacted hospitals, schools, and the tourism sector.
To tackle the crisis, Cuba will now focus on solar energy production. With solar panels installed with China's assistance, Cuba is currently generating 38 percent, or 1000 megawatts, of its electricity during the daytime.
The President stated that the coming period will require strict conservation and consumption cuts, and some non-essential services will be postponed or delayed. Just last Wednesday night, five provinces in Cuba experienced complete blackouts due to fuel shortages and dilapidated infrastructure.
After the US pressured to halt oil supplies from Venezuela and Mexico, Cuba has also initiated diplomatic dialogue with Russia. Declaring a fight for the right to fuel, President Díaz-Canel stated that Cuba is ready to negotiate with the US but made it clear that interference in internal affairs and compromises to sovereignty would not be accepted.
Cuba has also begun efforts to increase its own crude oil extraction and storage capacity. Although high-ranking Cuban diplomats have initiated preliminary contact with the US government, formal bilateral talks have not yet begun.
This specific news has been automatically translated by AI. As a result, there may be some inaccuracies or language errors.
