Cuba is facing the most severe energy blockade since the Missile Crisis of 1962. This is stated in a report published by The New York Times, which claims that the administration of Donald Trump has effectively imposed a “de facto blockade” that is leaving the island without fuel at one of its most vulnerable moments.
The American newspaper, after analyzing satellite data, port records, and oil tanker movements, asserts that ship traffic heading to Cuba "has almost come to a halt." According to its investigation, vessels attempting to approach the island have been intercepted or escorted by the U.S. Coast Guard, while other countries have suspended shipments out of fear of sanctions.
One of the cited cases is that of the tanker Ocean Mariner, which was transporting over 84,000 barrels of fuel from Colombia and, after changing course towards Cuba, was followed by American vessels until it reached Dominican waters and subsequently the Bahamas. The Times asserts that actions like this are part of a policy that, although not formally announced as a "blockade," functions as such.
The media also describes Cuba's failed attempts to obtain fuel in the Caribbean. The Gas Exelero ship traveled to Curacao and then to Jamaica, but returned empty-handed amidst a growing internal shortage that is already causing blackouts, postponement of surgeries, cancellation of classes, and accumulation of garbage in Havana.
The newspaper analysis warns that fuel reserves could run out within weeks. Jorge Piñón, an expert from the University of Texas cited by the paper, estimates that the country could be out of supplies by mid-March. The United Nations, for its part, has criticized the measures and labeled them as violations of international law, warning about the impact on the Cuban people.
However, the approach from Washington is different.
A report published by the Washington Examiner frames the measures as part of a broader strategy to pressure and weaken the Cuban regime. According to that outlet, the White House has tightened sanctions, curtailed oil supplies, and threatened to impose tariffs on governments that continue to supply the island.
The offensive intensified following the capture in January of former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro in an operation authorized by Trump. Since then, Venezuela, a historical supplier of crude oil to Cuba, has ceased sending the more than 26,000 barrels daily that supported part of the Cuban energy system. Mexico, which had taken on a key role following the fall of Caracas, also halted shipments after tariff warnings from Washington.
According to the Washington Examiner, U.S. officials assert that the goal is to hold the Cuban government accountable for its support of actors deemed hostile to U.S. interests and to accelerate political change on the island. Analysts cited by that outlet claim that cutting off the flow of oil not only impacts Cuba but also affects the dynamics of cooperation with Venezuela in terms of intelligence and security.
Meanwhile, on the island, the energy crisis is resulting in prolonged blackouts, halted transportation, rising food prices, and public services on the brink of collapse. The ruling Miguel Díaz-Canel has promised to seek alternatives to navigate the scarcity, but traditional allies like Russia are facing their own limitations.
The political pulse continues. But in Cuban homes, time runs to the rhythm of blackouts.
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