A long-haul Ilyushin IL-96-300 operated by Cuba’s state airline
Creative Commons
The Cuban regime said it is set to run out of fuel for airplanes on Monday as shortages resulting from U.S. pressure on the island extend to more industries.
The shortage is expected to continue for a month, with all of the country's international airports being affected, CNBC detailed.
The country has also begun closing tourism resorts, one of its last remaining lifelines. Bloomberg reported during the weekend that at least two large beach resorts were closing due to gasoline shortages. One said the resort is shutting down because there is no fuel for employees to get to work. Guests were relocated to another resort 30 miles away.
Cuba's tourism industry was already experiencing a prolonged decline even before the fuel shortages.
After averaging more than 4 million visitors as recently as 2019, only about 1.6 million tourists visited Cuba between January and November 2025, a drop of nearly 70 % since 2018, according to The Associated Press. The COVID-19 pandemic, combined with ongoing U.S. threats and sanctions, have contributed to the drop.
The Cuban regime has also begun limiting some other activities as a result of U.S. pressure. The Associated Press detailed this week in another report that public transport between provinces is experiencing limitations, and some educational establishments told workers to stay at home.
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel had already warned that the country is making preparations to face "acute fuel shortages." "We'll live through tough times. These, in particular, are very tough," Diaz-Canel told press last Thursday.
Others are echoing the warnings. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres warned Cuba could "collapse" if the current situation continues.
Russia, a country friendly to Cuba, said the situation is "truly critical." "We are in intensive contact with our Cuban friends through diplomatic and other channels. Indeed, let's say the U.S.'s stranglehold is causing many difficulties for the country," said Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.
Citing data company Kpler, the outlet noted on January 29 that the country had oil to last 15 to 20 days unless deliveries resume. "They have a major crisis on their hands" Jorge Piñon, an oil expert at the University of Texas told the outlet.
President Donald Trump has been urging the beleaguered country to engage before its stock runs out completely.
Related-
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Cuba Already Limiting Public Transport As Fuel Shortages From U.S. Pressure Intensify
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Tags: Cuba, United States, Donald Trump