Cuba faces severe crisis amid US sanctions and energy shortages

Cuba economic crisis US sanctions oil blockade energy shortages GAESA

Cuba is facing a severe economic and humanitarian crisis driven by intensifying United States sanctions and an effective oil blockade. In early 2026, US President Donald Trump issued an executive order establishing tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba, a move described as a mechanism to pressure the island's energy supply. This has resulted in widespread electricity shortages, often lasting up to 30 hours, impacting hospitals, transportation, and food distribution.

Beyond energy, the US has expanded sanctions to target key Cuban entities, including the military-controlled conglomerate GAESA and the mining company Moa Nickel S.A. These measures have contributed to a 60 percent decline in tourism and rising prices. President Miguel Díaz-Canel has acknowledged that the country is in its most difficult period of the century, necessitating painful economic reforms that move toward market-based practices.

Observers and local reports highlight a growing divide in the country. The Food Monitor Program (FMP) suggests a structure reminiscent of feudalism, where a state-affiliated elite maintains access to resources while the general population suffers from shortages of food, medicine, and water. Localized service failures, including prolonged outages of water and telecommunications in Havana neighborhoods, further underscore the systemic decay.

Entities

Cuba · Donald Trump · GAESA · Miguel Díaz-Canel · Pete Hegseth · Robert Evangelista · Ulises Toirac · United States

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.

[○ 1 SOURCE] Fuel shortages have caused regular energy supply disruptions lasting up to 30 hours. diplomacy.pl
[○ 1 SOURCE] The United States has expanded sanctions to target the Cuban military-controlled conglomerate GAESA and the mining company Moa Nickel S.A. diplomacy.pl
[● 3 SOURCES] On January 29, 2026, US President Donald Trump issued an executive order establishing tariffs on goods from countries supplying oil to Cuba. patrialatina.com.br · aliran.com · diplomacy.pl
[○ 1 SOURCE] Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel stated the country is experiencing its most difficult period of the century and requires urgent economic changes. www.europesays.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Cuba's current social structure mirrors feudalism, where a protected elite is shielded from shortages while citizens bear the brunt of the crisis. www.cubaheadlines.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Tourism in Cuba dropped by 60 percent between January and May 2026. diplomacy.pl