Cuban residents appear to be seeing their daily lives disrupted by the Donald Trump U.S. administration's energy blockade.
After tourism, which had supported the Cuban economy, took a direct hit, the capital region's public transportation is effectively paralyzed.
On the 9th (local time), diesel sales were suspended at gas stations in Havana, and gasoline is reportedly transacted only in U.S. dollars instead of pesos, Cuba's local currency. The transaction volume is limited to 20 liters per purchase, and even then, people must wait a long time to get it.
Government offices have switched to a four-day workweek. Some agencies are reportedly preparing emergency measures such as personnel reassignments and termination of employment contracts.
Flights are being canceled one after another. Air Canada said, "Considering the ongoing jet fuel shortage, we are suspending flights to Cuba," adding, "Over the next few days, we will send aircraft with empty seats to bring back about 3,000 Cuba-bound passengers."
Earlier, the Miguel Díaz-Canel Cuban government had said it would maintain domestic and international flights under an emergency response plan, but it was reported that, in practice, airlines were notified that refueling aircraft in Cuba would not be possible.
Previously, the Trump administration signed an executive order allowing tariffs to be imposed on countries that have oil transactions with Cuba, taking steps that further strengthened the blockade policy.
Cuban President Díaz-Canel is strongly criticizing the U.S. government while expressing openness to dialogue, but President Trump has made no particular response, saying, "Cuba will collapse on its own."