Long-haul flights to refuel in third countries after takeoff
Oil supply disruption after the ouster of the Venezuelan president
Cuba, which has been suffering from the fallout of the U.S. energy blockade, will suspend the supply of aviation fuel for one month.
According to AFP on the 8th (local time), Cuba has notified each airline of this measure. An official at a European airline said that the Cuban authorities had informed carriers operating flights to Cuba that aircraft refueling in Cuba would be impossible from 12:00 a.m. on the 10th. As a result, long-haul flights departing from Cuba will have to make stops in other countries after takeoff to refuel. Air France stated that its aircraft plan to replenish fuel in other parts of the Caribbean.
This measure is a consequence of the U.S. energy blockade.
U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on the 29th of last month allowing tariffs to be imposed on countries that engage in oil transactions with Cuba, claiming that Cuba poses a threat to U.S. national security. Cuba, which has long been mired in a severe economic crisis, has so far relied mainly on Venezuela for its oil supply. However, after the United States ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro last month, oil supplies were disrupted and Cuba was hit hard. Since then, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel has said that he is "willing to talk with the United States," but added that he "will not enter into dialogue by succumbing to pressure."
On the 6th, the Cuban government announced emergency measures to cope with the energy crisis, including introducing a four-day workweek for state-owned enterprises and restricting fuel sales. It also began reducing bus and rail services and closing some tourist facilities. Schools are implementing shortened classes, and universities plan to ease attendance requirements.
Meanwhile, Mexico has begun providing Cuba with essential goods such as food instead of crude oil.
Mexico's Foreign Ministry announced on the 8th that it had sent two ships to Cuba carrying 800 tons of relief supplies, including milk, powdered milk, meat, snacks, rice, fish such as tuna and sardines, and cooking oil. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said, "We will continue our diplomatic efforts with the United States to resume oil supplies to Cuba," adding, "We do not want sanctions imposed on Mexico."
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