Overview
- Havana rejected the U.S. Embassy’s request to import diesel for its generators, according to U.S. officials.
- The State Department is weighing a reduction in embassy staffing in Havana, and officials said Washington could seek a reciprocal cut at Cuba’s embassy in the U.S.
- U.S. officials estimate the embassy has enough diesel for roughly one month, so any staffing change is not expected immediately.
- Cuba’s shortages intensified after Venezuelan oil shipments stopped and U.S. pressure discouraged third‑party suppliers, leading to blackouts, canceled surgeries, and curtailed classes.
- Humanitarian air deliveries of solar panels, food, and medicine have begun, a Russian oil shipment is expected later this month, and Cuban authorities blocked the Spanish Embassy from sharing excess diesel with other missions.