The secretary general of United NationsAntónio Guterres, expressed his concern about the “growing fuel shortage” in Cuba and warned about its direct impact on the populationwhile the UN works with the Cuban Government to expand humanitarian aid to the island.
“The United Nations continues to monitor the situation in the country and work with the Government to provide greater support, including food, water, sanitation and medical care. We are concerned about the growing fuel shortage and its impact on the population,” said the secretary general’s spokesman, Stéphane Dujarric, during a press conference on Monday.
According to EFEDujarric pointed out that the Lack of fuel is causing interruptions in the supply of drinking water, health care services and food distributionespecially in areas severely affected by the Hurricane Melissawhich hit the island last October.
The spokesperson also warned about “the possible repercussions of fuel shortages on the operations of Cuban airports,” in a context marked by growing difficulties in the energy sector.
He recalled that in November of last year the United Nations team in Cuba launched an action plan to support the national response after Hurricane Melissa, which affected more than two million people, around 5% of the Cuban population.
However, he specified that said plan still requires financing for its full implementation.
Greater support from the UN in the face of fuel shortages in Cuba
The UN statements come amid tensions following the measures announced by Washington, which include tariffs on countries that export oil or derivatives to Cuba.
These actions have had regional repercussions and have motivated responses from governments allied to Havana.
Mexico has been one of the countries that has expressed its concern about US sanctions and has reiterated its historical solidarity with the island. The president Claudia Sheinbaum described the oil siege imposed by the United States as “unfair” and announced the sending more humanitarian aid.
Last Sunday, two Mexican Navy ships left the port of Veracruz with 814 tons of food and hygiene products, which will arrive in Cuba in the coming days.
“This sanction that is being imposed on the countries that sell oil to Cuba is very unfair. It is not right, because it directly affects the people,” Sheinbaum declared at a press conference.
Energy crisis and the US oil siege against Cuba
In the midst of this scenario, Russia has also reiterated its support for Cuba in the face of pressure from the United States.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov criticized the executive order signed by President Donald Trump on January 29, which declared a “national emergency” regarding Cuba.
Cuba is going through an unprecedented energy crisisaggravated after the establishment of an oil blockade that has left the island without crude oil imports since last December.
Faced with this situation, the Cuban Government has launched a package of emergency measures that includes fuel rationing, the reduction of public services and the prioritization of essential activities such as health, water supply and defense.
Faced with the seriousness of the scenario, Deputy Prime Minister Óscar Pérez-Oliva Fraga recently assured that the country will not collapse. “Cuba does not collapse because the Cuban people do not collapse,” he stated.
