The Cuban government has denied a request from the US embassy in Havana to import diesel for its generators, as the island faces severe fuel shortages and blackouts due to US sanctions. In diplomatic cables obtained by The Washington Post, Cuba's Ministry of Foreign Relations described the request as 'bold' and 'shameless', accusing the US of seeking privileged access to a resource it denies to the Cuban people.
Since January, the Trump administration has cut off Cuba's access to subsidised oil from Venezuela, aiming to pressure the government into political concessions. The blockade has caused widespread fuel shortages, affecting transportation, electricity, water supply, and waste collection. Hospitals have cancelled surgeries, schools have reduced classes, and the country has experienced periodic island-wide blackouts.
The US embassy has warned that without fuel, it may need to remove non-essential staff by May. Staff have been asked to work remotely, combine housing, and limit generator use to conserve energy. The Cuban ministry stated that the blockade is 'causing the greatest possible harm to the Cuban economy, the well-being of the people, and their standard of living'.
The US has also warned allies that those who provide or sell oil to Cuba could face steep tariffs. Cuba's President Miguel Díaz-Canel has been under pressure to comply with US demands for political reforms, but the government has so far resisted.
