![]()
The Cuban government issued a warning on Sunday stating that the country's aviation fuel reserves are exhausted and that refueling services will no longer be available.
The shortage is primarily focused on JetA fuel and is due to the US oil blockade, according to EFE News. An official NOTAM was sent to international airlines stating that refueling services will be unavailable until at least March 11, according to Aviation News Europe. International flights will either have to tanker fuel or plan refueling stops in neighboring countries, negatively affecting operational costs and weight capacity.
In January, a major US military operation resulted in the seizure of then-Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who was accused of leading the Cartel of the Suns, a Venezuelan drug-trafficking organization composed of high-ranking Venezuelan officials. Following Maduro's capture, the U.S. announced the end of oil supplies to Cuba, which the country relied on for its energy needs. 33% of the country's oil supply came from Venezuela, with Mexico providing 44% and Russia providing about 10%, according to AirInsight Group. President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order on January 29 that imposed tariffs on any country that provided oil to Cuba directly or indirectly, according to CNBC.
RELATED STORIES:
Trump threatens decertification of Canadian aircraft and 50% import tariffs
Trump plans reopening Venezuelan airspace; American Airlines plans first flights
FAA warns airlines of potential military activity in Latin America
Trump claimed that the Cuban government is an extraordinary threat that requires a national emergency declaration. The order also states that Cuba supports terrorism through migration and violence and its ties to Russia, China, Iran, Hamas and Hezbollah make it a threat.
"The situation in Cuba is truly critical. We know this. We are in intensive contact with our Cuban friends through diplomatic and other channels. Indeed, let's say the US's stranglehold is causing many difficulties for the country," said Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov to Russian state news outlet RIA Novosti.
Cuba's aviation sector could potentially completely shut down if the shortage extends beyond March and its tourism-reliant economy heavily relies on air connectivity.