Related videos:
The UK Government has warned about the critical situation in Cuba due to prolonged power outages, fuel shortages, and disruptions to essential services, according to an official update published on Monday.
In its travel advice portal, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office warned that Cuba is facing "serious problems" with its national power grid and fuel supply, with power outages that in some cases exceed 24 hours, affecting water supply, lighting, refrigeration, and communication.
The notice indicates that there are long lines at gas stations and that since February 7, Cuban authorities have imposed strict limitations on fuel purchases.
Diesel sales have been temporarily suspended, and gasoline is limited to a maximum of 20 liters per person, which affects travel within the country.
It is also noted that the shortage of fuel for airplanes at Cuban airports is leading some airlines to revise their schedules and consider refueling at nearby destinations.
Three Canadian airlines have temporarily canceled their flights to Cuba, although they will return customers who are already on the island, while European airlines continue to operate but plan to refuel outside the country.
The British government also reported that some hospitals have postponed routine medical treatments, although they continue to attend to urgent cases.
He also pointed out severe shortages of basic medications and sanitary products, indicating that many medicines easily available in the United Kingdom are not accessible in Cuba.
In political matters, the notice reminds that Cuba is a country governed by a single party, with restrictions on freedom of expression, association, and assembly, and advises avoiding gatherings and following the instructions of local authorities.
The report also mentions the lasting impact of Hurricane Melissa, which occurred in October 2025, leaving severe damage to infrastructure and services, especially in the eastern part of the country.
British authorities advise their citizens to take precautions, conserve water, food, and mobile phone battery, and secure adequate travel insurance due to the possibility of significant service disruptions during their stay on the island.
In this regard, the fuel crisis hitting Cuba hard continues to have visible consequences on the island: two Russian airlines plan to evacuate their tourists in the coming days due to the severe fuel shortage for airplanes and, once those flights are completed, will temporarily suspend their operations until the supply is normalized.
According to a report from Reuters, Russia's civil aviation regulatory agency, Rosaviatsia, stated that the companies Rossiya, part of the Aeroflot group, and Severny Veter (Nordwind) will fly to Cuba to transport Russian tourists who are in the Caribbean country, and then will suspend their services as long as there is a shortage of jet fuel.
The shortage of aviation fuel in Cuba has led authorities to warn international airlines that jet fuel will no longer be available on the island, resulting in cancellations and adjustments to flights from several companies.
Filed under: