The Cuban government has rejected a request from the US embassy in Havana to import diesel for its generators, while US President Donald Trump’s administration continues to enforce a fuel blockade of the island. This was reported by the AP agency with reference to two American officials familiar with the situation.
- Cuba refused to import diesel for the US embassy in Havana.
- The reason is the ongoing US fuel blockade of Cuba.
- The US is considering reducing the number of embassy staff due to fuel shortages.
- Cuba is trying to solve the energy crisis with domestic resources and imports from Russia.
Havana rejected the request at a time when the US State Department is considering reducing the number of embassy staff due to fuel shortages. Such a move would likely lead to a demand from Washington for a similar reduction in Cuban embassy staff in the US, said the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The Cuban government’s denial was first published by The Washington Post. Cuba has been facing oil shortages since the United States ousted Venezuela’s leader, cutting off key oil supplies from the country. Subsequently, Trump threatened tariffs against all countries that would supply oil to Cuba.
The resources will not cover the demand
Cuba tries to cover its consumption with its own natural gas, solar power and domestic oil production, but these resources are not enough to meet the demand. The AP adds that the dispute over diesel supplies comes as Trump increases pressure for major political changes in the country led by President Miguel Díaz-Canel.
A possible reduction in the number of embassy staff is not expected immediately, as the United States still has enough diesel supplies for about one month, according to one of the officials. Díaz-Canel said last week that Cuba was in talks with the US government, confirming for the first time speculation of dialogue between the two countries. Meanwhile, humanitarian organizations began airdropping aid to Cuba on Friday, including solar panels, food and medicine.
At the same time, the country is preparing for the delivery of Russian oil, which should arrive this month and will be the first in the last three months. Both Trump and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States sees Cuba as another country where it can expand its influence. According to previous information, the administration is pushing for the departure of President Díaz-Canel, while it is not clear who it would like to see in power.
