Cuba Reports Total Depletion of Diesel and Fuel Oil Amid US Sanctions

Cuba’s Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy announced that the nation has completely exhausted its reserves of diesel and fuel oil, attributing the crisis to continued US-led blockades on oil supplies. Speaking on state-run media, Levy warned that the energy system is in a critical state, with only limited gas available. The shortage has triggered severe blackouts in Havana, where residents face up to 22 hours without electricity daily, sparking protests in the capital and other cities. The energy crisis has severely impacted essential services, forcing the closure of government schools, offices, and tourism facilities, while hospitals struggle to function properly. Despite the humanitarian impact, tensions remain high regarding international aid; reports indicate US Secretary of State Marco Rubio rejected a Cuban counter-offer, though Cuba denied this claim. The US State Department reiterated an offer of $100 million in humanitarian aid, proposing distribution through the Catholic Church and reliable charities. This escalation follows fresh US sanctions imposed in May targeting senior Cuban officials for alleged human rights abuses, further squeezing the island's resources amidst existing shortages of food and medicine.