Cuba says airlines can no longer refuel on the island as US blockade deepens energy crisis

"Cuban aviation officials have warned airlines that there isn't enough fuel for airplanes to refuel on the island, the latest step in its moves to ration energy as the Trump administration cuts the Caribbean nation off from its fuel resources. The government of Cuba published the notices to airlines and pilots on Sunday night, warning that jet fuel won't be available at nine airports across the island, including Jose Marti International Airport in Havana, starting Tuesday and continuing until March 11."

"Political pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump on Latin America has effectively severed Cuba's access to its primary petroleum sources in Venezuela and Mexico. In late January, Trump signed an executive order that would impose a tariff on any goods from countries that sell or provide oil to Cuba, a move that could further cripple an island plagued by a deepening energy crisis."

Cuban aviation authorities notified airlines that jet fuel will be unavailable at nine airports, including Jose Marti International Airport in Havana, from Tuesday through March 11. U.S. pressure has severed Cuba's access to petroleum from Venezuela and Mexico, and a late-January executive order threatens tariffs on countries that sell oil to Cuba. Rationing may spare short regional flights but endangers long-haul routes from Russia and Canada. Air Canada suspended flights and other carriers added delays or refueling stops in the Dominican Republic. Regional carriers may bring extra fuel or refuel in Cancun or the Dominican Republic. Officials have not commented publicly.

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