Cuba Says It Has Run Out Of Oil And Diesel, Only Has ‘Gas From Our Wells’

Cuban Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy said the country has run out of oil and diesel and only has gas left.

“The sum of the different types of fuel: crude oil, fuel oil, of which we have absolutely none; diesel, of which we have absolutely none … the only thing we have is gas from our wells, where production has grown,” he said on state media.

The official went on to say that the country’s situation is “extremely tense.” It comes as the U.S. continues to mostly prevent the island from getting fuel as part of its strategy to pressure the Havana regime.

The Trump administration did allow a shipment from Russian oil to dock in the island in March, alleviating some of its needs. However, Havana officials say, no more fuel has been allowed to enter.

Cubans have been taking to the streets to protest the lack of energy, with blackouts lasting most of the day.

U.S. pressure continues, with an official recently saying the Trump administration will not allow the country to “deteriorate into an even more severe security threat to the national security of the United States.”

Speaking to Axios, the official went on to say that the “Cuban regime continues to demonstrate its indifference to the people’s suffering and refuses to reform or prevent the delivery of vital humanitarian assistance.”

The official was making reference to Havana’s rejection of U.S. assistance in exchange for reforms. The Trump administration offered ens of millions in aid, free Starlink access for all Cubans for two years, as well as agricultural and infrastructure support, in exchange for the changes.

“As the President stated, Cuba is a failing country. Within a short period of time they will fall, and we will be there to help them out,” the official added.

The remarks follow an NBC News report noting that Trump officials believe the Cuban regime could fall by the end of the year if circumstances don’t change, but the president wants it to happen sooner.

The outlet said Trump has grown increasingly frustrated with the regime’s ability to stay in power despite ongoing U.S. pressure and has grilled officials on why there has not yet been collapse.

The president said earlier this month that an aircraft carrier returning to the U.S. from the Middle East could be stationed off the country’s coast to pressure the regime into folding. He said the vessel could “come in, stop about 100 yards offshore, and they’ll say: ‘Thank you very much. We give up.'”