The Cuban government has denied a request from the US embassy in Havana to import fuel for its generators, as the country grapples with island-wide blackouts caused by a severe oil shortage under the Trump administration.
In diplomatic cables obtained by The Washington Post, the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Relations described the US request as 'bold' and 'shameless', stating that it was unacceptable for the embassy to seek privileged access to a good denied to the Cuban people.
Since January, the Trump administration has cut off Cuba's access to subsidised oil from Venezuela, aiming to pressure the island's leaders into political concessions. This has left Cubans without fuel for transport, waste collection, electricity, and water pumping.
The US embassy has warned that if it runs out of fuel, nonessential staff may have to be removed by May. In response, embassy staff have been asked to work remotely, share housing, and limit generator use.
The Cuban ministry accused the US of causing 'the greatest possible harm' to Cuba's economy and people's standard of living through the blockade.
