Cuba fuel shortages prompt new Foreign Office warning

Cuba, once the Caribbean destination of choice for millions of holidaymakers from the UK and elsewhere, appears to be nearing paralysis as a result of tougher US sanctions.

- SIMON CALDER

Dozens of flights to and from Havana and other Cuban airports have been cancelled after the island’s aviation authorities warned that no fuel is available for the next month. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), meanwhile, has issued a new warning about power cuts across the island, some lasting more than 24 hours, due to a lack of fuel for generators.

Cuba is still popular with independent travellers from Europe, but the island is evidently in a precarious situation. These are the key questions and answers.

Why the fuel shortage?

Following the US seizure last month of the Venezuelan president, Nicolas Maduro, a key source of Cuba’s oil was interrupted. Mexican suppliers began to make up the shortfall. But in an executive order that took effect on 30 January, Donald Trump claimed: “The policies, practices, and actions of the government of Cuba directly threaten the safety, national security and foreign policy of the United States.”

The US president said that punitive tariffs would be imposed on any “country that directly or indirectly sells or otherwise provides any oil to Cuba”. As a result, supplies have dried up.

What is the effect on flights?