Cuba Fuel Crisis and Protests

Cuba is facing its worst energy crisis in decades, with its energy and mines minister, Vicente de la O Levy, announcing that the country has completely run out of diesel and fuel oil. This critical shortage has led to widespread blackouts, particularly in Havana, where residents have engaged in large protests. The crisis is primarily attributed to a blockade on fuel imports imposed by the United States, under an executive order signed by Donald Trump, which threatens tariffs on any country supplying fuel to Cuba. Both Mexico and Venezuela, once major oil suppliers, have ceased shipments to Cuba since the order. The United Nations has condemned the blockade as unlawful, citing its negative impact on the Cuban people's rights. Rising global oil prices, partly due to the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, further complicate Cuba's efforts to secure fuel imports, despite the country's attempts to negotiate with potential suppliers.