Germany on Tuesday issued an advisory against all non-essential travel to Cuba, warning that the Caribbean nation is suffering from an acute energy crisis after pressure from the United States that has disrupted oil supplies.
The German Foreign Ministry said Cuba is experiencing “significant shortages in energy and fuel supplies, which are affecting all areas of life”, including healthcare, and that dilapidated infrastructure is compounding the problem.
It noted that aircraft from abroad currently cannot be refuelled on the island, “resulting in significant restrictions on flight operations”, and that several hotels have already closed as a result of the shortages.
“Public transport, street lighting, traffic lights, cash machines, communication and security systems are already severely restricted or may fail,” the advisory added.
The oil shortage has threatened to plunge Cuba into near-total darkness, with power stations struggling to keep the lights on.
In response, the Cuban government has introduced emergency measures, including a four-day working week for state-owned enterprises and restrictions on fuel sales.
On Monday, Air Canada announced it was suspending services to Cuba because of the lack of assured fuel supplies at Cuban airports.
Havana has accused the United States—and specifically Donald Trump—of trying to “strangle” the island’s economy. Power cuts and fuel shortages, already common in recent years, have become more severe amid the current crisis.
