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The United Nations is in talks with the United States government to try to ensure access to fuel for Cuba, intended exclusively for humanitarian operations, amid the deep energy crisis the island is facing.
The UN resident coordinator in Cuba, Francisco Pichón, confirmed that diplomatic efforts are already underway between the organization and Washington to facilitate that supply without violating the sanctions regime.
"There are exchanges between our colleagues at the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and the government of the United States to ensure that fuel can be accessed for humanitarian purposes," said the representative of the international organization in Havana in statements to the agency AFP.
According to the explanation, the requested fuel would have a strictly controlled destination: to support the humanitarian operations of international agencies and ensure essential services for vulnerable populations.
"When I say for humanitarian purposes, I am referring to fuel for our emergency response operations (...) and to ensure vital services in these care centers for individuals and vulnerable groups," he clarified.
Pichón emphasized that access to fuel is crucial for the continuity of the United Nations' work in the country.
“The operational viability of our response as the United Nations System depends on access to energy and fuel, and at this moment, it is being compromised,” he warned.
The official also noted that he has already addressed the issue directly with the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, with the aim of strengthening international efforts.
"I have discussed with the Secretary General the need to support our efforts to ensure access to fuel under the conditions of traceability and the protocols that may be required to guarantee the final destination of the fuel," he explained.
The United Nations system seeks to establish mechanisms that ensure fuel is used exclusively for humanitarian purposes, under verifiable controls and protocols.
"It is essential that this works because if it does not, and the current situation continues indefinitely, our own response as a system would be severely compromised," Pichón warned.
Possible participation of other countries
The conversations aim not only to open a channel with Washington but also to create a framework that allows other countries to energetically support Cuba without exposing themselves to sanctions.
Pichón mentioned that the mechanism could facilitate the participation of countries like Mexico, which in recent years has been one of the oil suppliers for the island.
"It is precisely the space that we, as a system, are trying to achieve so that other countries can provide support to Cuba, including in the energy sector, without being exposed to sanctions or other types of measures," he stated.
To design this framework, the United Nations analyzes models previously applied in other humanitarian scenarios.
The official specifically mentioned the experience of the World Food Programme (WFP), which has used traceability systems for resource distribution in conflict areas.
According to his explanation, these mechanisms "have practical models applied in Gaza and other places," where access to fuel or supplies is subject to strict international controls.
Urgency in response to the deterioration of the energy situation
Pichón warned, however, that the margin for finding a diplomatic solution could be limited if the energy crisis continues to worsen.
“The space for preventive diplomacy is closing very rapidly because we don't know, there is uncertainty at least about what resources, what reserves exist in the country,” he pointed out.
In their opinion, reaching an agreement now would help avoid a more serious scenario.
"That space for preventive diplomacy and for finding a solution to access energy is essential to utilize at this moment when we are not facing a situation of massive loss of life," he stated.
Impact on humanitarian operations
The UN representative warned that the lack of fuel is already directly affecting the operational capacity of international agencies in the country.
“On-site visits are very few,” he explained, pointing out that there is also “less availability of freight in Cuba” and an increase in logistical costs due to shortages.
Additionally, he pointed out issues in the supply transportation chain.
"We have encountered difficulties in the availability of fuel for port and airport extraction processes. Transportation from Havana to the provinces is very limited," he stated.
In this context, Pichón emphasized that the country needs international support to address the situation.
"It is urgent to show the solidarity that the country needs at a moment like this," he concluded.
Energy crisis and fuel shortage
The efforts of the UN come amidst a rapid deterioration of the Cuban energy system, which has been facing structural difficulties for years.
According to Pichón, no fuel-laden ships have officially entered Cuba in approximately two months, which has worsened the shortage.
The situation is also linked to the United States' policy of pressure on the Cuban government.
Washington maintains economic sanctions against Havana and considers the island an "extraordinary threat" to its national security.
At the same time, the U.S. government has recently authorized the sale of fuel to private Cuban companies, as long as the transactions do not benefit the state apparatus.
The energy crisis in Cuba has intensified following the interruption of oil shipments from Venezuela, which for over two decades was the island's main fuel supplier. In response to the shortage, the Cuban government has implemented emergency measures, including drastic restrictions on fuel sales, which have affected transportation, economic activity, and the daily lives of the population.
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