The Cuban government announced a package of emergency measures Friday as the island braces for severe fuel shortages it says are the result of increased pressure from the United States. In a televised address, Deputy Prime Minister Oscar Perez-Oliva Fraga blamed Washington for the energy crisis and said the measures aim to “guarantee the vitality of our country and essential services” while preserving development.
Key measures, effective Monday, include restrictions on fuel sales and limits on the operating days for “essential administrative activities,” which will work Monday through Thursday to conserve energy. Perez-Oliva Fraga said the measures are intended to save fuel for food and electricity production.
Labor Minister Jesus Otamendiz said the government will prioritize remote work. In education, school hours will be reduced and universities will move to a hybrid model. Domestic train services will be sharply curtailed: routes will run once every eight days per destination, Transport Minister Eduardo Rodríguez said.
The island of about 9.6 million people has been under a U.S. economic embargo since 1962 and is enduring a six-year economic crisis. Cuba has been heavily dependent on oil imports from Venezuela; supplies were disrupted after Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro was removed from power and following a U.S. military action last month that Havana says halted deliveries.
President Miguel Díaz-Canel, in a separate address, said Cuba is prepared to “engage in dialogue” with Washington “without pressure or preconditions,” but insisted any talks must occur “from a position of equals,” with respect for Cuba’s sovereignty, independence and non-interference in internal affairs.
U.S. President Donald Trump has in recent months threatened measures aimed at cutting Cuba’s oil supplies as part of pressure on the Communist-run island.