This week, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel warned citizens of the need to sacrifice as adjustments are made in energy and food distribution to reflect current challenges. Nevertheless, the government expects to release a new plan for dealing with fuel shortages in the next couple of weeks. He also said his government was willing to speak with the U.S., provided there is no pressure or preconditions.
Cuba’s economic crisis has been years in the making. Between the decline in Venezuelan oil shipments and tourism post-pandemic, the country has lacked energy for basic economic production and U.S. dollars to import basic goods. However, the crisis is coming to a head now that U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened retaliation against any country exporting oil to Cuba. At the same time, in an effort not to alienate the average Cuban, the U.S. is also sending additional humanitarian aid to the island.
