Fuel Crisis in Cuba: Airlines Suspend Flights Amid Jet Fuel Shortage
Following a severe fuel crisis in Cuba triggered by a U.S. military operation in Venezuela, several airlines have suspended their flights to the island. The crisis, which has been described as critical by Russia, has also led to a substantial reduction in traffic in the streets of Havana.
Background
The fuel situation in Cuba worsened after the U.S. military seized Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on January 312. The United States has threatened to impose tariffs on countries that supply oil to Havana3. As a result, Mexico suspended oil supplies to Cuba but will continue sending humanitarian aid4.
Key Developments
In response to the crisis, Cuba has taken drastic measures to conserve fuel. These measures include the implementation of telework, a four-day workweek, and a ban on traffic3. Universities have been shut down, school hours have been reduced, and public transportation has been slashed as fuel sales were limited5.
Cuba's major airport has warned that it will run out of jet fuel by Tuesday6. The island's aviation officials have also warned airlines that there is not enough fuel for planes to refuel on the island78. Airlines such as Air Canada and Rossiya Airlines have reacted to this situation by issuing travel advisories6 and adjusting their routes9 respectively.
Implications and Reactions
The fuel crisis in Cuba is beginning to affect the island's travel industry10. Several Canadian airlines have issued travel advisories for Cuba6, and Air Canada has suspended flights to the island111012. In the coming days, Air Canada plans to operate empty flights to repatriate approximately 3,000 customers already in Cuba11.
Cuba's foreign minister has accused the U.S. of trying to break the 'political will' of Cubans13. Meanwhile, Russia is in talks with Cuba about providing assistance against the so-called U.S. suffocating techniques2. Russia, which has accused the United States of executing 'asphyxiating' measures against Cuba, has also sold fuel to Cuba14. Russian envoy Viktor Koronelli has stated that Russia is ready to be the first to help Cuba, which it sees as a brother nation15.
Conclusion
As the fuel situation in Cuba remains critical, airlines continue to adjust their operations, and the island's inhabitants cope with drastic energy-saving measures. The consequences of this crisis are yet to be fully seen, but the impacts on Cuba's transportation and tourism sectors are already significant.
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TASS: Fuel situation in Cuba critical, Russia in touch with its authorities — Kremlin ↩
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TASS: Russia in talks with Cuba on assistance against US suffocating techniques — Kremlin ↩
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Clarin: Fuel shortage in Cuba: telework, four-day week and traffic ban to address the crisis ↩
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TASS: Mexico suspends oil supplies to Cuba but to keep sending humanitarian aid — president ↩
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The Hindu: Emergency measures hobble Cuba as fuel supplies dwindle under U.S. pressure ↩
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CBC News: Canadian airlines issue travel advisories as Cuban airport warns it will run out of jet fuel ↩
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South China Morning Post: Cuba warns airlines it’s almost out of fuel as US blockade tightens chokehold ↩
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RT (Russia Today): Cuba warns of jet fuel crisis ↩
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TASS: Rossiya Airlines to continue flights to Cuba, may adjust routes — Aeroflot Group ↩
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New York Times: Air Canada Cancels Flights to Cuba as Cuba Runs Out of Jet Fuel ↩
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Al Jazeera English: Air Canada suspends flights to Cuba due to fuel shortage ↩
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The Guardian: Air Canada cancels all flights to Cuba as US oil blockade cuts off fuel access ↩
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Al Jazeera English: Russia warns Cuba fuel situation critical; Havana slams ‘cruel’ US tactics ↩
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Clarin: Russia sells fuel to rescue Cuba, which is running out of fuel for planes and has thousands of tourists at risk ↩
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TASS: Energy situation in Cuba critical amid US blockade — Russian envoy ↩