Cuba is facing a severe energy crisis as the island nation has completely run out of diesel and fuel oil, according to the energy minister. The announcement comes as protests erupt across the country, with citizens expressing frustration over the worsening shortages.
Fuel Depletion and US Blockade
The energy minister confirmed that Cuba's reserves of diesel and fuel oil have been exhausted, crippling transportation, agriculture, and industry. The government attributes the crisis to the longstanding US economic blockade, which has severely restricted imports of fuel and other essential goods.
In recent weeks, Cuba has struggled to secure shipments of crude oil and refined products, leading to widespread blackouts and fuel rationing. The situation has now escalated to a complete depletion of key fuel types, leaving many sectors at a standstill.
Protests and Public Reaction
Thousands of Cubans have taken to the streets in cities including Havana, Santiago de Cuba, and Santa Clara, demanding solutions to the fuel shortage and broader economic hardships. Chants of 'We need fuel' and 'End the blockade' have been heard, along with calls for the government to take more decisive action.
Authorities have deployed police to monitor the demonstrations, but so far no major clashes have been reported. The protests are the largest since the July 2021 unrest, reflecting growing public discontent over the country's economic situation.
International Context
The fuel crisis comes amid heightened tensions between Cuba and the United States. The Biden administration has maintained the economic embargo, which was tightened under the previous Trump administration. Cuba has called on the international community to pressure Washington to lift the sanctions, which it says are causing immense suffering.
Meanwhile, other news developments include Brigitte Macron addressing new claims over slapping French president, a second US soldier found dead after a training exercise in Morocco, an unseasonal storm killing at least 96 people in India, and the discovery of a massive dinosaur fossil in Southeast Asia.
