Cuba Teeters on Brink of Catastrophe as Trump Tightens Noose
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the island, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order allowing extra tariffs to be slapped on any country that sells oil to Cuba. The White House claimed this was done to "protect American citizens and interests" from what it described as a regime providing a safe haven for transnational terrorist groups.
For Cubans, however, this move has meant the prospect of another fuel shortage looming over their already struggling economy. Despite receiving only one oil shipment so far this year – 84,900 barrels from Mexico – according to data consultancy Kpler, Cuba is expected to run out of fuel in just three weeks if no more tankers arrive.
With current reserves dwindling rapidly and a economy still reeling from a 16% decline between 2019 and 2020, the situation is becoming increasingly dire. The Cuban government has been left with limited options as it struggles to cope with the fallout.
"This is not rocket science to understand they have used up all their cards," said one businessman who has long worked with the Cuban government.
The US embassy in Havana has taken a more aggressive stance, warning that there would be a "real blockade" if Cuba did not make concessions. In an internal briefing to staff, chargé d'affaires Mike Hammer allegedly advised: "If you don't have your bag packed yet, then pack your bag."
But despite the rhetoric, it remains unclear what exactly the Trump administration has in store for Cuba. A European diplomat present at a US embassy party described this as unnecessary, saying that pressure alone appeared to be enough to deter any further oil shipments.
As the situation unfolds, Cubans are bracing themselves for even more hardship. One motorcyclist waiting in line to buy fuel explained: "Doing this, I make in one day what I'd make in a month as a doctor." For many, having access to petrol is a matter of survival.
Cuba's leaders appear to be taking the threat seriously, with President Miguel Díaz-Canel accusing Trump of trying to stifle the island. In response to this, the Cuban government has released videos of soldiers training to resist invasion.
However, without significant support from allies such as China and Russia, or a sudden change in US policy, it seems that life is set to get even more difficult for Cuba's beleaguered population.
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the island, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order allowing extra tariffs to be slapped on any country that sells oil to Cuba. The White House claimed this was done to "protect American citizens and interests" from what it described as a regime providing a safe haven for transnational terrorist groups.
For Cubans, however, this move has meant the prospect of another fuel shortage looming over their already struggling economy. Despite receiving only one oil shipment so far this year – 84,900 barrels from Mexico – according to data consultancy Kpler, Cuba is expected to run out of fuel in just three weeks if no more tankers arrive.
With current reserves dwindling rapidly and a economy still reeling from a 16% decline between 2019 and 2020, the situation is becoming increasingly dire. The Cuban government has been left with limited options as it struggles to cope with the fallout.
"This is not rocket science to understand they have used up all their cards," said one businessman who has long worked with the Cuban government.
The US embassy in Havana has taken a more aggressive stance, warning that there would be a "real blockade" if Cuba did not make concessions. In an internal briefing to staff, chargé d'affaires Mike Hammer allegedly advised: "If you don't have your bag packed yet, then pack your bag."
But despite the rhetoric, it remains unclear what exactly the Trump administration has in store for Cuba. A European diplomat present at a US embassy party described this as unnecessary, saying that pressure alone appeared to be enough to deter any further oil shipments.
As the situation unfolds, Cubans are bracing themselves for even more hardship. One motorcyclist waiting in line to buy fuel explained: "Doing this, I make in one day what I'd make in a month as a doctor." For many, having access to petrol is a matter of survival.
Cuba's leaders appear to be taking the threat seriously, with President Miguel Díaz-Canel accusing Trump of trying to stifle the island. In response to this, the Cuban government has released videos of soldiers training to resist invasion.
However, without significant support from allies such as China and Russia, or a sudden change in US policy, it seems that life is set to get even more difficult for Cuba's beleaguered population.
. Like, the US government can't just keep messing with their economy and expecting them to be okay. And what's with all these threats? "Pack your bag"? That's not how you build trust or solve problems. It's just going to drive people even further into poverty. I mean, Cubans are already struggling to make ends meet – it's one thing to lose a job, but when fuel runs out and you can't afford to put food on the table, that's a whole different story. And what's with all this nonsense about "protecting American citizens"? How does Cuba being friends with certain other countries even relate to that? It just feels like the US is using Cuba as some kind of pawn in their game with other nations 
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This is getting out of hand! The Trump administration's move on Cuba is super reckless. I mean, what's next? A total embargo? 
It's like they're trying to strangle the island with an oil pipeline noose. Cubans are already struggling big time, and now you add this fuel shortage? That's just cruel.
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#CubaInCrisis The Trump administration's move on oil tariffs is just gonna push Cubans into an even deeper hole 
They're already struggling with a 16% decline in economy, now they gotta deal with fuel shortages? it's like, what's the plan here? 
like they're already struggling so much, now they gotta worry about running out of fuel? thats just cruel 
its like the us is trying to strangle them economically and theres no one left to save them 
china and russia should be stepping in ASAP, but im not holding my breath 
Cuba's fuel crisis is getting super serious 
! It's like, imagine not being able to buy petrol, it's a huge deal for Cubans who need it to survive 
. It's like, the US is really tightening the noose around Cuba 
, but we can all just hope for the best 
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this is what happens when politics gets in the way of basic human needs like fuel 
it's not just about oil, it's about the economy and people's livelihoods 
and what's with the threat from mike hammer? "pack your bag"? is that some kind of joke? 
or are they serious about cutting off support? 
it's just so sad... 
and now they're running out in just three weeks 
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. It's not fair that the US is being so harsh on Cuba 
, releasing videos of soldiers training to resist invasion 
. China and Russia are like, the only ones who can help right now 
. This situation is super tense 
and I just hope everything works out okay 
. Cuba needs some serious support ASAP, or things are gonna get really ugly 
like he thinks they're just gonna be all like "oh okay, we'll take a 16% economic hit" 
, you know the one with the crazy flavors? I got the matcha green tea and it was SO GOOD 
! Anyway, back to Cuba... I don't get why the US is being so harsh on them. Can't they just have a free trade deal or something? It's not like they're causing any harm to anyone 
. On a more serious note though, what's the deal with China and Russia being all like "Hey, we got Cuba's back"? Is that a thing now? 
The situation is getting more dire by the day and I just hope someone intervenes before it's too late 
with shelves upon shelves of old books... I swear it smelled like freshly baked cookies inside. And then I stumbled upon this one book that just felt like it was calling my name... anyway, has anyone tried those new coffee shops in Brooklyn? I heard they have the best pour-overs in the city!
