Cuba warned of an aircraft fuel shortage amid tensions with the U.S., according to a new report.
According to a Sunday report from Spanish news outlet EFE, two sources told the outlet that the Cuban government has advised international airlines flying to the Caribbean country that the island will be out of fuel on Monday due to an oil blockade by the United States.
Tensions in the Caribbean have been heightened in the past few months due to factors including the U.S. military’s pressure on Venezuela and eventual capture of its leader and strikes on alleged drug boats.
President Trump in late January warned of imposing tariffs on countries and groups doing business with and providing oil to Cuba.
Trump also last month suggested that Cuba enter a deal with the U.S. following military action in Venezuela, with an American oil embargo on Venezuela having increased pressure on the island nation.
“THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA – ZERO!” Trump said on his Truth Social platform at the time. “I strongly suggest they make a deal, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE.”
Cuba, a communist country, has long had strained relations with the U.S.
Last week, the State Department announced it would begin delivering an extra $6 million in supplies to Cuba. The supplies came about due to a humanitarian crisis in Cuba with its roots in Hurricane Melissa, a historically strong storm that slammed Cuba in the fall.
Hurricane Melissa wrecked homes, blocked mountain roads and tore roofs off the top of buildings across Cuba.
