Cubans are bracing for a deepening economic crisis after the United States stepped up pressure on Venezuela, cutting off shipments of Venezuelan oil that have long kept the island’s fragile economy afloat. The latest U.S. actions, including the seizure of at least two Venezuela‑linked oil tankers this week, threaten to cut off a crucial energy lifeline just days after U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
In the port of Matanzas and beyond, closed gas stations, long lines for scarce fuel and fears of worsening power outages reflect the reality facing many Cubans. Venezuela historically supplied around 27,000 barrels of oil per day to Cuba, covering roughly half of the island’s fuel deficit. With that flow now under threat, residents and business owners alike warn that shortages could deepen already frequent hour-long electricity cuts and disrupt daily life.
“Now I think that with this situation, things will get worse, because now they won’t let oil come,” said William Gonzalez, a resident of Matanzas. “Before oil came from Venezuela and Russia; now it will only come from Russia… so that’s one less source of oil.”
The U.S. military seized the Russian‑flagged tanker Marinera in the Atlantic after a prolonged pursuit, marking the fourth interception since Washington imposed a blockade on sanctioned vessels entering or leaving Venezuelan waters in December. The U.S. Coast Guard also intercepted another vessel, the M Sophia, northeast of South America this week. Russia condemned these seizures as “outright piracy”.
The stakes for Cuba are significant. Even with Russia and Mexico supplying some fuel, shipments remain far below what the island needs for electricity generation, transport and basic services. Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum has said Mexico’s contributions are consistent with historical levels and cannot make up the shortfall.
Some Cubans, perceiving Washington’s actions as an attempt to force political submission, have met the aggressive U.S. posture with anger and defiance. Others remain frustrated by chronic shortages and economic stagnation, acknowledging the fact that Cubans must endure even worsening conditions.
Analysts warn that if Venezuelan oil supplies remain strained, Cuba’s economy could slide further toward collapse, intensifying hardships for ordinary citizens who are already coping with inflation, rationing, and pervasive power outages.
