Cuba Says Airlines Can No Longer Refuel on Island Due to U.S. Blockade

Cuban aviation officials have warned airlines that there is not enough fuel for planes to refuel on the island, the latest step as the country rations energy amid mounting pressure from the Trump administration, Andrea Rodríguez reported for the Associated Press (AP).

Political pressure from US President Donald Trump has effectively severed Cuba’s access to primary petroleum sources in Venezuela and Mexico. (Photo: Sangianense Wikimedia Commons)

Cuba issued notices to airlines and pilots on Sunday night warning that jet fuel will not be available at nine airports, including José Martí International Airport in Havana, starting Tuesday through March 11.

Political pressure from US President Donald Trump has effectively severed Cuba’s access to primary petroleum sources in Venezuela and Mexico.

In late January, Trump signed an executive order imposing tariffs on goods from countries that sell or provide oil to Cuba — a move that could further cripple the island’s deepening energy crisis.

While the rationing may not disrupt shorter regional flights, it poses a major challenge for long-haul routes from countries such as Russia and Canada, which are critical to Cuba’s tourism economy, Joshua Funk and Megan Janetsky also reported for AP.