Cuba faces an energy crisis after U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order threatening to impose tariffs on countries that sell or provide oil to the Caribbean nation, with Cuba's critical social services including healthcare and special education feeling the impact.
Authorities have warned airlines of a fuel shortage amid strict oil rationing, while residents are also struggling with paralyzed public transport and limited access to services.
Long queues were seen at gas stations due to fuel shortages, with fewer buses running and longer power cuts affecting homes, hospitals and other state institutions.
At Havana's Oncological Hospital, the blackouts affect patient care and potentially threatens lives.
"Our professionals only want to offer health quality, medical protocols, technical procedures, research, and drug production. But these things need energy, which comes from oil. So, this is a measure aimed to affect the Cuban people by limiting the performance of our health workers," said Carlos Martinex, head of the Cancer Control Division of Cuba's Ministry of Public Health.
Local special education authorities said the U.S. oil embargo is making student transportation and school logistics much harder, and it's limiting their ability to use electrical equipment for training and therapy.
"These measures adopted by the Donald Trump administration and the executive order, in particular, worsens the current situation of the Cuban people in an inhumane manner, I would say, and with a significant impact on our special education system," said Beatriz Roque, director of special education at the Cuban Ministry of Education.
In an effort to cushion the U.S. action, Cuban authorities have initiated a rationing program for fuels and electricity, the expansion of renewable energy systems.
Cubans struggle with energy shortages after US oil embargo
Cubans struggle with energy shortages after US oil embargo
