Cuba Faces Fuel Shortages as Canadians Suspend Flights

Life in Cuba has become very difficult for many people, as a fuel shortage caused by U.S. restrictions on the country’s oil supply makes everyday life harder. Canadian airlines have paused flights to the island and are bringing tourists home.

“For me, any change would be better than what we’re living through because what we have now isn’t humane,” said Isben Peralta, a resident of Ciego De Avila in central Cuba, in a phone interview during a blackout.

Peralta runs a small home pizzeria. He says he’s lucky to get a few hours of electricity each day because he lives near a fuel delivery point. In other parts of his province, people may go 10 or 11 hours without power and get just 30 minutes at a time when the lights come back on.

Jet Fuel Shortages Hit Airports

Havana’s José Martí International Airport warned on Sunday that it was running low on jet fuel. By Monday, major Canadian airlines had suspended flights to Cuba.

Why the Shortage Happened

Cuba has relied on Venezuela for most of its oil, but it hasn’t received any since mid-December. The U.S. has blocked Venezuela’s oil exports to Cuba, including aviation fuel and fuel for the electricity grid. Even before the blockade, Cuba’s aging electrical system often caused power cuts.

Mark Entwistle, a former Canadian ambassador to Cuba, says the U.S. is trying to pressure the Cuban government by creating economic pain. Cuba already faces shortages of food and medicine, and the situation is expected to worsen because of the fuel restrictions. He suggests Canada may need to send humanitarian aid to help Cubans.

Impact on Families

For Canadians with family in Cuba, the travel restrictions have been hard. Luis Escalona, who lives in Winnipeg, cannot visit his mother in Holguin as planned because flights are canceled. Without electricity or fuel, basic tasks like cooking, getting to work, or even communicating with loved ones are difficult.

“I’m very disappointed,” Escalona said. “I bought many things my family needs to survive, but now they cannot get them in Cuba.”

Daily Life Continues Despite Hardships

Despite the shortages, many Cubans are finding ways to get by. Sean Lulker, a Canadian who does business in Havana, says there’s no panic on the streets, and many businesses remain open, even with frequent power outages. He uses solar power and batteries to keep his business running.

Still, the situation is challenging. In Ciego De Avila, Peralta says wages aren’t enough to buy food, and living conditions are worsening. “Everything is deteriorated and in very bad conditions,” he said.