Cuban cigar festival called off as US blockade worsens energy crisis

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete February 14, 2026 at 07:04 PM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

The annual Festival del Habano in Havana, Cuba, scheduled for late February, has been postponed due to a worsening fuel shortage. Organizers cited the "complex economic situation" caused by the ongoing US blockade, which has been intensified by the seizure of oil shipments from Venezuela. The fuel shortage has led to power cuts and a shortage of aviation fuel, impacting tourism and daily life. The festival, which attracts over 1,300 people from around 70 countries, is a significant event for the Cuban cigar industry. Organizers hope to reschedule the festival when conditions improve, prioritizing a comprehensive experience for participants. The US and Cuba have had a strained relationship since 1959, with US economic and trade embargoes in place since 1960.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

UK 30% Fidel Castro 30% Donald Trump 50% Nicolás Maduro (Maduro) 50% Venezuela ×270% Havana 70% Festival del Habano ×590% United States ×7100% Cuba ×8100%

Keywords

cuban cigar festival 100% fuel shortage 90% us blockade 90% economic crisis 80% cuba 70% us embargo 70% oil shipments 60% venezuela 50% power cuts 50% tourism 40%