Cuba Warns Airlines of Imminent Jet Fuel Shortage as Oil Supplies Tighten

A government aviation notice signals growing pressure on air travel as U.S. actions and halted foreign shipments squeeze the island’s fuel supply.

By yourNEWS Media Newsroom

Cuba has warned international airlines that jet fuel will not be available on the island beginning Tuesday, underscoring rapidly deteriorating conditions as the United States moves to sever the communist-run nation’s access to oil supplies.

The shortage is expected to last from Feb. 10 through March 11, according to a Notice to Aviation issued late Sunday. The alert came just days after senior Cuban officials said air travel would not be affected by a fuel-rationing plan announced Friday, highlighting the speed at which the situation has worsened.

Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum said her country’s oil shipments to Cuba are currently halted as her government seeks ways to support the island without provoking retaliation from Washington. Mexico had become Cuba’s largest supplier after Venezuelan deliveries stopped in December following U.S. efforts to block exports from the South American nation.

Cuba has long relied on Venezuela for much of its jet fuel, but it has not received crude or refined products from its key ally since mid-December. U.S. President Donald Trump has since vowed that Cuba will receive no more oil from Venezuela and has threatened tariffs against any country that sends fuel to the island, effectively choking off aviation fuel supplies.

Fuel shortages are not new for Cuba, and many airlines already have contingency plans. Similar crises in recent years have prompted carriers to refuel in third countries such as Panama, the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, and the United States.

Despite the warning, flights into Havana largely appeared to be operating normally Monday morning. A COPA Airlines flight to Panama departed on time, and several American Airlines flights were scheduled to arrive later in the day, according to airport officials.

Major carriers serving Cuba have not yet publicly commented on the developing situation.