Cuba’s Fuel Crisis Amid Blockade

Energy Minister Vicente de la O told on May 13 that Cuba has “absolutely no fuel (oil), and absolutely no diesel.” The grid now runs on domestic crude, natural gas and renewables, while blackouts last 20–22 hours.

Reuters

Trump’s Jan 2026 executive order threatened tariffs on any nation shipping fuel to Cuba, prompting Mexico and Venezuela to stop deliveries. Cuba produces ~40,000 bbl/d but needs 90,000-110,000 bbl/d. The blockade entered its fourth month as oil prices rose amid the U.S.–Israeli war.

The Guardian

The Ministry of Finance and Prices announced variable fuel prices from May 15, tying pump prices to supplier costs and market risk. The fixed-price regime “cannot be economically sustained under present conditions,” and the ministry reiterated that “Cuba is open to anyone that wants to sell us fuel.”

Cuba adjusts fuel prices as US blockade continues to ravage energy markets

Solar growth surged: Chinese panel imports rose from $3 m in 2023 to $117 m in 2025. Cuba plans 92 solar parks (2 GW) by 2028; about 50 are operating, adding ~1 GW in the past year. Renewables now ~10 % of generation, up from ~3 % in 2024. Experts note storage, battery costs and financing—$8-$19 bn for a renewable grid—remain hurdles.

CNN

• Diesel/fuel-oil reserves: 0 liters.

Cuba is out of fuel oil and diesel, energy minister says amid US oil blockade

• Blackouts: 20-22 hours/day.

CNN

• Solar capacity: 1,300 MW (2022-2024) + 1 GW added 2023-24.

CNN

• Grid: 1,250 MW vs 2,884 MW demand (shortfall 1,649 MW).

CNN

• Black-market gasoline: $8-$10 /L vs official $1.30 /L.

Reuters

Humanitarian observers call the blockade a crisis, citing school closures, limited hospital surgeries and crippled tourism. They argue the policy breaches international law and undermines Cubans’ rights to food, health and education.

The Guardian

The United Nations called the blockade “unlawful,” saying it obstructs the Cuban people’s right to development. Cuba’s government affirmed its “inalienable right to import fuel.” U.S. administration says the sanctions target a hostile regime; President Trump later said, “If a country wants to send some oil into Cuba right now, I have no problem, whether it’s Russia or not.”

The Guardian

Reuters cites 1,300 MW of solar installed over two years, while CNN reports roughly 1 GW added in the last twelve months. The minister’s name appears as “Vicente de la O” and “Vicente de la O Levy.” Private-sector fuel import volumes beyond the 30,000-bbl figure are lacking.

Cuba is out of fuel oil and diesel, energy minister says amid US oil blockade

Fuel pricing changes on May 15, and talks with foreign suppliers continue. Cuba will commission more solar parks through 2028, to cover the $8-$19 bn transition cost. The UN urges the United States to lift the blockade.

Cuba adjusts fuel prices as US blockade continues to ravage energy markets

• “We have absolutely no fuel (oil), and absolutely no diesel,” — Vicente de la O, Energy Minister

Reuters

• “If a country wants to send some oil into Cuba right now, I have no problem, whether it’s Russia or not,” — Donald Trump, President

The Guardian

• “remove this lever of coercion,” — Kevin Cashman, Economist

CNN

• “sounds nice on paper, but you’ve got to have the resources,” — Ricardo Torres, Economist

CNN