Waste piles up in Cuba as US-imposed fuel blockade halts collection trucks

Due to a US-imposed fuel blockade, waste is accumulating in Havana and other Cuban cities as of February 2026. The fuel shortage has significantly reduced the number of operational garbage trucks, with only 44 of Havana's 106 trucks running. Residents are raising concerns about the public health risks associated with the uncollected refuse. The crisis stems from the US cutting off Cuba's oil supply following a military raid in Venezuela. President Trump has described Cuba as a "failed nation" and increased economic pressure by sanctioning countries that supply oil to the island.

Spain announced it will provide humanitarian aid to Cuba through the United Nations, focusing on food and essential health products. This decision follows a meeting between the Spanish and Cuban foreign ministers in Madrid. Cuba is currently experiencing a severe economic crisis, exacerbated by a de facto US fuel blockade aimed at cutting off oil deliveries, particularly after the US targeted Venezuela, Cuba's primary oil supplier. Mexico recently sent 800 tonnes of aid to Cuba. The UN has expressed deep concern about the unfolding crisis in Cuba.

Cuba is facing a severe crisis marked by fuel shortages, economic slump, and mass migration, exacerbated by U.S. policies aimed at regime change. Diplomats in Havana are concerned about the lack of a clear U.S. plan beyond crippling the island by cutting off its oil supply, fearing widespread suffering within weeks due to disruptions in electricity, water, and food transport. The UN World Food Programme is struggling to provide aid due to the fuel crisis and is preparing for a larger humanitarian emergency. Some hope for a deal between the Cuban government and U.S. officials in Mexico, but embassies are preparing for potential unrest as the country is starved of resources.

Cuban diplomat Carlos de Cossio accused the United States of imposing a "massive punishment" on Cuba through its oil blockade, which he says harms essential services and the standard of living. De Cossio stated the US is threatening countries that supply fuel to Cuba, impacting transportation, medical services, food production, and energy. Cuba previously relied on oil imports from Venezuela, which were cut off after Nicolas Maduro's abduction. When Cuba turned to Mexico for fuel, the US threatened tariffs, leading Mexico to halt supplies, though humanitarian aid was later sent. The US policy is part of a broader strategy to restore American preeminence in the Western Hemisphere.

A fire broke out at the Ñico López Refinery in Havana, Cuba, on Friday, but was quickly brought under control with no injuries reported. The incident occurred amidst a deepening fuel crisis in Cuba, exacerbated by the US blocking Venezuelan oil shipments. Venezuela previously supplied Cuba with approximately 35,000 barrels of oil daily before the US seized tankers and imposed tariffs on countries selling oil to Cuba. This shortage has led to electricity cuts impacting essential services and fuel rationing, prompting airlines to suspend services and travel warnings from some countries. While Cuba faces these challenges, two Mexican ships arrived with humanitarian aid, and the UN has criticized US restrictions on oil imports as economic coercion.

Two Mexican Navy ships carrying humanitarian aid docked in Cuba on Thursday, January 29, 2026, as the island faces a deepening energy crisis. The aid comes after the U.S. President Donald Trump threatened tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba, prompting energy rationing. Mexico is providing over 536 tons of food and hygiene products, along with 277 tons of powdered milk. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that Mexico is attempting to foster dialogue between the U.S. and Cuba to resolve the situation. Cuba's energy crisis was worsened by the halt of oil shipments from Venezuela after U.S. intervention in that country. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has called Trump’s actions an "energy blockade," impacting various sectors and leading to flight suspensions and economic strain.

Mexico sent two navy ships carrying over 800 tons of humanitarian aid to Cuba on Thursday, providing food and hygiene products amidst a deepening economic crisis on the island. The aid comes as the US, under a recent executive order, is increasing economic pressure on Cuba, including potential tariffs on countries supplying it with oil. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated her government is seeking diplomatic solutions to resume oil shipments to Cuba, while also pledging continued support. This action highlights Mexico's complex relationship with both Cuba and the US, balancing historical solidarity with Cuba against pressure from Washington. The relationship between Mexico and Cuba dates back to the 19th century.

Due to a US-engineered fuel crisis in Cuba, Russia is evacuating its citizens from the island nation. Russian aviation authorities announced that Rossiya Airlines will operate return flights from Havana and Varadero to Moscow to repatriate approximately 5,000 tourists. The fuel shortage, described as the worst in years, stems from a US oil blockade following the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in early January. Russia's Ministry of Economic Development has advised citizens against traveling to Cuba. Moscow plans to send humanitarian aid, including oil and petroleum products, to Cuba. The Russian embassy in Havana is working with Aeroflot and Cuban authorities to ensure the safe return of Russian citizens.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that Mexico will send humanitarian aid, primarily food, to Cuba in response to the island's fuel supply issues. This action comes as Sheinbaum negotiates with U.S. President Donald Trump to ease the oil blockade imposed on Cuba. Trump has threatened tariffs on countries that provide oil to Cuba, citing human rights violations, migration, and ties to Russia, China, and Iran as justification. Sheinbaum acknowledged the potential for U.S. sanctions against Mexico for circumventing the blockade. The U.S. pressure campaign against Cuba has intensified since the U.S. abduction of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and the subsequent change in Venezuela's oil supply to Cuba.

President Trump stated that Mexico will cease sending oil to Cuba, a move that would further strain the energy-starved nation. Cuba relies heavily on fuel imports from allies like Mexico due to US sanctions and its own economic crisis. Mexico is Cuba's single-largest oil supplier, and the potential halt in shipments could exacerbate existing energy shortages and blackouts. While Mexican authorities have not yet commented, reports indicate the Mexican government is reviewing its oil policy towards Cuba due to concerns about potential US reprisals. Despite this, the Mexican administration stated it would seek to ship other products to Cuba for humanitarian reasons.

The US, under President Trump, is reportedly in negotiations with high-level Cuban officials to reach a deal. This follows threats from the US to impose an oil blockade and tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba, aimed at pressuring the island nation amidst its economic struggles. Trump claims Cuba is failing due to the loss of support from Venezuela, its former key ally and oil provider. The US seeks to leverage Cuba's economic difficulties to achieve a deal, though the specifics remain undisclosed. The Trump administration has been increasing pressure on Cuba, seeking regime change, accusing them of relying on Venezuelan support. Cuba accuses the US of strangling its economy.

The Trump administration is increasing economic pressure on Cuba by threatening tariffs on countries that sell oil to the island, aiming to destabilize the communist regime. This action follows an executive order citing concerns about Cuba harboring terrorist groups, though no proof was provided. Cuba is already facing severe fuel shortages, with estimates suggesting reserves could be depleted within weeks if new shipments don't arrive. The lack of diesel, crucial for transportation, agriculture, and electricity, could lead to a humanitarian crisis affecting essential services. Cuba's president accuses Trump of trying to suffocate the Cuban economy under false pretenses. Mexico's president warned that Trump's tariffs "could trigger a far-reaching humanitarian crisis."

In January 2026, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order threatening tariffs on countries that supply oil to Cuba. The order describes Cuba as a threat to US national security, citing its alignment with hostile countries and groups. This action follows the US military's abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and the US taking control of Venezuela's oil sector, which previously supplied Cuba. Trump stated that Cuba should "make a deal" and suggested the country would soon be failing due to the lack of Venezuelan oil. Cuba's President Miguel Diaz-Canel rejected Trump's threats, citing the long-standing US embargo and resulting fuel shortages.

Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday that could impose tariffs on countries providing oil to Cuba. The order declares a national emergency, citing Cuba's ties to hostile powers like Russia, Hamas, and Hezbollah as a threat to U.S. national security. This policy aims to pressure Cuba's Communist government by restricting its access to oil, particularly after losing its primary supplier, Venezuela, due to U.S. action. While specific tariff rates are yet to be determined, the order allows the Secretaries of State and Commerce to assess tariffs against offending nations. Mexico, a significant oil supplier to Cuba, has paused shipments but insists on fulfilling contractual obligations and providing humanitarian aid. The U.S. has been pressuring countries to cease oil supply to Cuba prior to the announcement.

The Trump administration declared a national emergency and threatened tariffs on countries providing oil to Cuba, escalating efforts to pressure the Cuban government. Trump cited Cuba's alleged hostile actions, including allowing Russian espionage and welcoming hostile nations and terrorist groups, as justification. This action follows a halt in oil shipments from Venezuela, Cuba's primary fuel source, exacerbating existing shortages and potentially triggering a humanitarian crisis. The move appears aimed at Mexico, which had been supplying Cuba with oil in exchange for medical services until early January. Mexico's president condemned the threat, warning of a humanitarian crisis and reaffirming Mexico's commitment to sovereignty and self-determination.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel criticized U.S. President Donald Trump's executive order threatening tariffs on countries that sell oil to Cuba. The order, signed on Thursday, alleges Cuba poses a national security threat to the U.S. Diaz-Canel responded on Friday, calling the move an attempt to "suffocate" Cuba's economy and accusing the U.S. administration of fascist, criminal, and genocidal behavior. Cuba is currently experiencing fuel shortages after being cut off from Venezuelan oil following the U.S. abduction of Venezuela's President Maduro. Cuba's Foreign Minister declared an "international emergency" in response, while Venezuela condemned the measure as a violation of international law.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum warned that potential US tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba, initiated by a recent executive order from President Trump, could trigger a humanitarian crisis on the island. The US cites Cuba's ties to Russia, Hamas, and Hezbollah as justification for the tariffs. Mexico has become Cuba's top oil supplier since 2025, surpassing Russia and Venezuela. Sheinbaum stated her government would seek information from the US State Department and explore alternative ways to provide humanitarian aid to Cuba without jeopardizing Mexico. Cuba is currently facing severe fuel shortages and blackouts, and officials estimate that the country only has enough oil to last 15 to 20 days.

President Trump signed an executive order on Thursday that threatens tariffs on countries selling oil to Cuba. The action aims to further pressure Cuba, which is currently facing a severe energy crisis. The order would impose tariffs on goods from any country that provides oil to the island nation. This move has the potential to impact countries like Mexico, which supply oil to Cuba. The executive order was signed in Washington D.C. and its purpose is to economically isolate Cuba.

In January 2026, reports surfaced that Mexico halted oil shipments to Cuba, a key supplier for the island nation facing a severe energy crisis due to a US trade embargo. These reports followed the US halting Venezuelan oil shipments to Cuba after the abduction of Nicolas Maduro. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum neither confirmed nor denied the reports, stating that any decision to sell or give oil to Cuba was a sovereign and potentially humanitarian one made by Pemex or the government. While avoiding a direct answer on resuming shipments, Sheinbaum affirmed Mexico's continued solidarity with Cuba. Reuters reported that the Mexican government is reviewing the shipments due to concerns about potential conflict with the US.