Cuba Says International Airlines Can No Longer Refuel Amid Tariff Threat

Cuba has warned international airlines that jet fuel will not be available on the island starting Tuesday, highlighting the rapidly deteriorating situation as the United States intensifies efforts to cut off the communist-run nation’s oil supply.

According to a Notice to Aviation (NOTAM) published late Sunday, the fuel shortage is expected to last from February 10 through March 11. This comes just two days after top officials assured that air travel would not be impacted by a fuel rationing plan announced on Friday.

Cuba has traditionally relied on Venezuela to supply much of its jet fuel. However, the Caribbean nation has not received any crude or refined products from its primary ally since mid-December, following U.S. measures to block the South

American country’s exports.

U.S. President Donald Trump has since vowed that Cuba would receive no more oil from Venezuela and has threatened tariffs on any nation sending fuel to Cuba, effectively cutting off the island’s aviation gas supply.

Such fuel shortages are not new to Cuba, and many airlines already have contingency plans in place. A similar crisis last year, along with other recent incidents, has led numerous carriers to refuel in nearby countries such as Panama, the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, and the United States.

Despite the looming shortage, flights into Havana appeared on time and on schedule on Monday morning. An early morning COPA Airlines flight to Panama departed on time, and several American Airlines flights were expected to arrive later in the day, airport officials confirmed to Reuters.