Cuba Faces Jet Fuel Shortage as Emergency Measures Disrupt Travel

Recent actions by the United States and fuel supply disruptions have led to widespread travel and service interruptions in Cuba, with effects on airlines, public services, and daily life.

On January 29, 2026, President Donald Trump signed an executive order declaring a national emergency related to threats from the.

Government of Cuba, authorizing tariffs on goods from countries supplying oil to Cuba. Cuban aviation authorities later informed international airlines that jet fuel would not be available at nine airports, including Havana’s José Martí International Airport, from February 10 through March 11, 2026.

As a result of the jet fuel shortage, Air Canada suspended all flights to Cuba, affecting approximately 3,000 Canadian tourists. The lack of fuel also prompted Cuba to implement rationing measures, which included reducing bus and bank services, suspending cultural events such as the Havana International Book Fair, and shortening workweeks for some sectors.

The energy crisis in Cuba has caused rolling blackouts and interruptions to medical services. Shortages of food and water have also been reported during this period, further impacting daily activities and essential services.

What the numbers show

• Executive order issued on January 29, 2026
• Jet fuel unavailable at nine airports from February 10 to March 11, 2026
• About 3,000 Canadian tourists affected by Air Canada’s flight suspension

During the ongoing fuel shortage, a fire occurred at the Ñico López refinery in Havana, which is one of the country’s three main refineries. Authorities managed to control the blaze, and no injuries were reported as a result of the incident.

In response to the crisis, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum offered to establish Mexico as an aerial refueling hub for airlines traveling to Cuba. She also proposed that Mexico could resume oil shipments to Cuba through Pemex if a diplomatic agreement is reached with the United States.

Public services in Cuba have been affected by the fuel shortage, with reductions in transportation and banking operations. Cultural events, including the Havana International Book Fair, have been suspended, and some workplaces have shifted to shorter workweeks to conserve resources.

The combination of energy shortages, travel disruptions, and service reductions has continued to affect daily life in Cuba. The situation remains subject to ongoing developments as authorities and neighboring countries respond to the crisis.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.