The humanitarian situation in Cuba is deteriorating rapidly due to a tightened US oil embargo. Island residents are grappling with widespread shortages of fuel, food, and electricity blackouts. While Havana accuses Washington of deliberately seeking to cause a catastrophe, the Canadian government has announced plans to provide the island with support, marking a clear contrast to the pressure policy employed by the US administration.
Canadian support program
Ottawa is preparing an aid package to mitigate the effects of the US oil embargo and prevent the island's collapse.
The island's energy paralysis
The fuel shortage has led to massive electricity blackouts and forced citizens to use bicycles.
Accusations against the USA
Havana claims that Washington is deliberately seeking to provoke a humanitarian catastrophe for political purposes.
Drastic price increases
The cost of basic food items in Cuba has doubled in a record short time.
The situation in Cuba is becoming critical. A tightened embargo on oil, imposed by the administration in Washington, has led to an almost complete paralysis of transport on the island. Cubans are forced to use bicycles to purchase basic food products, the prices of which have recently doubled. The lack of electricity prevents meal preparation, deepening social frustration and destabilizing an economy that has so far relied on tourism. Authorities in Havana openly accuse the United States of deliberately provoking a humanitarian crisis to force political changes. US-Cuban relations have remained tense since the 1959 revolution. Although a brief thaw and restoration of diplomatic relations occurred during Barack Obama's presidency, subsequent administrations have returned to a policy of isolating the island. In response to the deteriorating living conditions, Canada has decided to prepare a special rescue plan. Ottawa, one of Cuba's key trading partners, intends to deliver humanitarian aid and technical support, thereby ignoring the strategy of maximum pressure implemented by the White House. The Canadian initiative aims to prevent a complete collapse of Cuba's critical infrastructure. Meanwhile, on the island itself, a wave of desperation is growing, and experts indicate that without external fuel supplies, the country's energy system may soon cease to function. „Washington seeks to provoke a humanitarian catastrophe to destabilize our country.” — Cuban government representative Analysts emphasize that the current crisis is the most severe since the so-called Special Period following the collapse of the USSR. The lack of access to hard currency and financial restrictions hinder the import of even the most essential medicines. Although Canada declares aid, the scale of needs on the island may exceed the capabilities of a single donor, especially given Washington's determination to maintain the trade blockade.