Story perspectives

Cuba's Fuel Crisis Deepens Amid International Turmoil

2/14/2026

Center

Cuba Faces Fuel Crisis

Cuba faces a severe fuel crisis after the United States captured Nicolás Maduro, the Venezuelan president, halting oil shipments from Venezuela.
Mexico has ceased oil exports due to tariff threats from the United States, leaving Cuba without aviation fuel and electricity.
Canadian airlines suspended flights, and Russian airlines are repatriating tourists.
The humanitarian situation is deteriorating, prompting calls for international aid.

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Türk Advocates Sanction Relief

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk urged the United States to lift sanctions he says hinder Cuba's oil deliveries.
He linked the sanctions to Cuba's economic crisis, worsened by Venezuela's loss of oil imports.
U.N. spokeswoman Marta Hurtado said fuel shortages threaten access to water, sanitation, and healthcare.
Türk called for removal of restrictions on oil shipments, noting policy aims do not justify rights violations.

History

Historical Context

The Cuban Missile Crisis of October 1962 was a critical confrontation between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, marking the Cold War's peak. Following the crisis, the U.S. imposed economic sanctions on Cuba, severely impacting its economy. Today, with oil imports from Venezuela constituting 50% of Cuba's fuel needs, the sanctions exacerbate a humanitarian crisis, highlighting the ongoing complexities of U.S.-Cuba relations.

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Cuba Faces Fuel Crisis

Cuba faces a severe fuel crisis after the United States captured Nicolás Maduro, the Venezuelan president, halting oil shipments from Venezuela.
Mexico has ceased oil exports due to tariff threats from the United States, leaving Cuba without aviation fuel and electricity.
Canadian airlines suspended flights, and Russian airlines are repatriating tourists.
The humanitarian situation is deteriorating, prompting calls for international aid.

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