Cuba has rolled out sweeping fuel rationing measures as it braces for renewed economic pressure from the United States, following threats by President Donald Trump to clamp down on oil shipments to the Caribbean island.
The announcement marks the government’s first concrete response since Washington warned it could impose tariffs on U.S.-bound goods from any country supplying fuel to Cuba — a move that risks worsening shortages of food, fuel and medicine already weighing heavily on ordinary Cubans.
Despite the looming challenge, Havana has struck a defiant tone, insisting essential services will be protected and the country will endure.
Fuel Ring-Fenced for Essential Services
Cuban authorities say the rationing plan is designed to guarantee fuel for priority sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, education, water supply and national defence.
Commerce Minister Oscar Perez-Oliva, speaking during a televised address on Friday, said the measures were aimed at preserving social stability while keeping the economy afloat.
“This is an opportunity and a challenge that we have no doubt we will overcome,” Perez-Oliva said. “We are not going to collapse.”
Fuel supplies will also be directed to tourism and export industries, including the production of Cuba’s world-famous cigars, which the government views as critical sources of foreign currency.
“If we don’t have income, then we will not overcome this situation,” he added.
Transport and Trade Shielded as Motorists Feel the Pinch
While drivers are expected to face cutbacks at fuel stations, officials said domestic and international air travel will not be immediately affected.
The government has also pledged to secure fuel for ports and internal transportation to protect Cuba’s import and export chains — a vital lifeline for the island, which relies heavily on foreign trade to meet basic needs.
The move comes as Trump’s administration signals a tougher stance on Cuba, warning of “hard times ahead” if oil shipments are curtailed.
Agriculture Turns to Renewables and Old-School Solutions
As part of the plan, the government announced an ambitious push to plant 200,000 hectares of rice, aimed at covering a significant share of domestic demand.
However, fuel shortages are expected to force a shift toward renewable energy for irrigation and increased use of animal power for tilling fields — a stark illustration of the pressure on Cuba’s farming sector.
Schools Stay Open, Health Services Prioritised
Education Minister Naima Ariatne said infant-care centres and primary schools will continue operating in person, while secondary schools and higher learning institutions will adopt hybrid systems, depending on location and resources.
“As a priority, we want to keep our primary schools open,” Ariatne said, calling for flexibility as fuel constraints persist.
Health officials also confirmed that emergency services, maternity wards and cancer treatment programmes would be prioritised to minimise disruptions to patient care.
A Nation Bracing for Another Economic Test
Cuba’s rationing plan underscores the government’s determination to preserve essential services amid escalating U.S. pressure and long-running economic strain.
Whether the measures will stabilise daily life remains uncertain, but for now, Havana is betting on discipline, diversification and resilience to weather yet another external shock.
