Oil blockade on Cuba ‘energy starvation’ by U.S., say UN experts

INTERNATIONAL – SOUTH AMERICA

8 MAY 2026

• The fuel blockade imposed on Cuba by the United States amounts to “energy starvation”, and has “grave consequences” for human rights and development, three UN special rapporteurs said.
• “Cuba has been subjected to energy starvation by the United States, a condition in which the lack of fuel cripples the functioning of essential services required for a dignified life,” the experts said in a joint statement.
• Already in the throes of economic stagnation, the situation worsened for Cuba following a fuel blockade imposed by Washington in January 2026, with only one Russian oil tanker making it through since then.
• Supply shortages and power cuts have become the norm, and tourism has plummeted.