The United Kingdom has issued a warning about the dire circumstances unfolding in Cuba due to extended power outages, fuel shortages, and disruptions in essential services, according to an official update released on Monday.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, via its travel advisory platform, highlighted that Cuba is grappling with "serious problems" in its national power grid and fuel supply. Power cuts sometimes exceed 24 hours, affecting water, lighting, refrigeration, and communications.
Long lines at gas stations are reported, with Cuban authorities having imposed strict limits on fuel purchases since February 7. Diesel sales have been temporarily halted, and gasoline is restricted to a maximum of 20 liters per person, impacting internal travel across the country.
Additionally, a shortage of jet fuel at Cuban airports is causing some airlines to reassess their itineraries and consider refueling at nearby destinations. Three Canadian airlines have temporarily canceled flights to Cuba, although they will repatriate customers currently on the island. European airlines continue operations but plan to refuel outside of Cuba.
The British government also noted that some hospitals have postponed routine medical treatments, although urgent cases are still being attended to. There is a significant lack of basic medicines and health products, with many drugs readily available in the UK being unavailable in Cuba.
Politically, the advisory emphasizes that Cuba is a single-party state with restrictions on freedom of expression, assembly, and protest. It advises avoiding gatherings and following local authorities' guidance.
The report also references the ongoing impact of Hurricane Melissa, which struck in October 2025, leaving severe damage to infrastructure and services, particularly in the eastern part of the country.
British authorities advise their citizens to take precautions, conserve water, food, and mobile phone battery, and secure appropriate travel insurance due to the potential for significant service disruptions during their stay on the island.
In this context, Cuba's fuel crisis continues to have visible effects. Two Russian airlines plan to evacuate their tourists in the coming days due to the severe scarcity of aviation fuel, and once these flights are completed, they will temporarily suspend operations until the fuel supply is restored.
According to Reuters, Russia's civil aviation regulatory agency, Rosaviatsia, reported that Rossiya, part of the Aeroflot group, and Severny Veter (Nordwind) will fly to Cuba to transport Russian tourists back and then halt services as long as the jet fuel shortage persists.
The shortage of aviation fuel in Cuba has led authorities to caution international airlines that jet fuel will no longer be available on the island, prompting cancellations and adjustments in flights by various companies.
Impact of Fuel Shortage and Power Outages in Cuba
How are the fuel shortages affecting daily life in Cuba?
Fuel shortages have led to long queues at gas stations and have imposed strict limitations on fuel purchases, affecting transportation and daily commuting. The scarcity of aviation fuel has also caused flight cancellations and adjustments.
What are the consequences of prolonged power outages in Cuba?
Extended power outages are disrupting essential services such as water supply, lighting, refrigeration, and communications, further exacerbating the already challenging living conditions in Cuba.
What is the status of healthcare services in Cuba amid the crisis?
Due to the crisis, some hospitals in Cuba have postponed routine medical treatments, although they continue to handle urgent cases. There is also a severe shortage of basic medicines and health products.