Archive · 1 Feb 2026
Cuba Faces Crisis Amid US Pressure
Cuba is going through a really tough time right now.
The country is facing big problems like not having enough fuel, long power outages, and very high prices for food and other important things.
This is making life very hard for people.
The US has put more pressure on Cuba by stopping oil shipments and threatening tariffs.
Many people in Cuba are struggling to afford basic needs like food and transportation.
The government hasn't said much about how they will fix these problems.
People are hoping for things to get better, but they are also very worried about what the future holds.
Pope Leo is asking the US and Cuba to talk and work things out to avoid more suffering.
Cubans are facing severe economic and humanitarian crisis due to fuel shortages and blackouts.
The Cuban peso has lost over 10% of its value against the dollar in three weeks.
Fuel shortages have led to long lines and increased prices for gasoline and transportation.
Blackouts lasting 8-12 hours or more are disrupting daily life and causing accidents.
The Cuban government has declared an international emergency in response to US tariff threats.
- Who
- Cubans, Pope Leo, US President Donald Trump, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez
- What
- Severe economic and humanitarian crisis due to fuel shortages, blackouts, and US tariffs
- When
- Ongoing, with recent escalation due to US tariffs and halted oil shipments
- Where
- Cuba, particularly Havana and surrounding towns
- Why
- US pressure, including tariffs and blocked oil shipments, exacerbating existing economic struggles
Cuba and its allies
United States
US Tariffs and Oil Shipments
Cuba and its allies
Cuba views US tariffs as an 'unusual and extraordinary threat' and has declared an international emergency.
United States
The US justifies tariffs as necessary to protect national security and counter Cuba's 'malign actions and policies.'
Dialogue and Negotiation
Cuba and its allies
Cuba and its allies, including Pope Leo, urge sincere and effective dialogue to avoid further suffering.
United States
The US calls for Cuba to negotiate but maintains pressure through economic measures.
- Country
- Cuba
- Capital
- Havana
- Currency
- Cuban Peso
- Currency Devaluation
- 10% in 3 weeks
- Fuel Shortage
- Oil shipments halted from Venezuela and Mexico
- Blackout Duration
- 8-12 hours or more
- Economic Contraction
- 12% between 2019 and 2024
- Emigration
- 1-2 million since pandemic
- Pope's Concern
- Rising tensions between US and Cuba
- US Tariff Threat
- Imposed on imports from countries supplying oil to Cuba
- Cuba's Response
- Declared an international emergency