Cuba has announced a series of emergency measures to address a severe energy crisis caused by U.S. sanctions. These measures include implementing a four-day workweek for state-owned enterprises, with employees working from Monday to Thursday, reducing interprovincial public transportation services, shortening school hours, and closing certain tourist facilities. Reports indicate that at least two major beach resorts may close this week, leading to significant job losses.
In Havana, long queues have formed at gas stations as the energy shortage worsens. The crisis has also severely impacted the country's aviation sector. An official document from José Martí International Airport in Havana stated that the airport is running out of Jet A-1 fuel, commonly used by commercial aircraft. The document, effective from February 10, 2026, indicates the shortage may last until at least March 11, 2026, meaning the country’s main airport could face a month without fuel supplies, preventing aircraft from refueling there. This poses a critical challenge for a major international airport.
The fuel shortage at José Martí International Airport is expected to force airlines to seek alternatives, such as carrying additional fuel, refueling in third countries, or canceling flights outright. These measures are likely to increase operational costs for airlines and may affect route stability.
For years, U.S. economic sanctions have made Cuba heavily reliant on oil imports from Mexico, which supplies 44% of Cuba’s oil, Venezuela, which provides 33%, and Russia, which accounts for 10%. Earlier this month, following the U.S. seizure of Venezuelan President Maduro, Washington blocked all Venezuelan oil shipments to Cuba. Additionally, Mexico has temporarily suspended oil supplies to Cuba after former U.S. President Trump threatened tariffs.
On February 7, Mexican President Sheinbaum announced that the Mexican government is preparing aid shipments, primarily consisting of food and other requested supplies, to be sent to Cuba by Monday at the latest. She emphasized that diplomatic efforts are ongoing to restore oil shipments and reiterated that Mexico does not wish to face sanctions.
Cuba currently requires approximately 100,000 barrels of crude oil per day. According to data firm Kpler, as of January 30, Cuba’s oil reserves were only sufficient to last 15 to 20 days at current consumption rates. This suggests that the country may have less than 10 days of oil supply remaining.