Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez said US economic sanctions against the country and pressure on its foreign trade have caused severe humanitarian consequences.
Rodríguez argued that Washington’s policy of threats, pressure and blackmail has disrupted Cuba’s foreign trade. According to the Cuban government, the US is tightening the economic blockade further through restrictions on energy supplies and secondary sanctions.
Fuel shortages disrupt essential services
Havana says restrictions on energy supplies have worsened problems with the supply of fuel, food and medicine. The countrywide fuel shortage is contributing to prolonged power outages and making it more difficult to maintain essential services.
Power outages and fuel shortages are also affecting public transport, health care, agriculture and water distribution. The Cuban government argues that these conditions are making it even more difficult for the population to access basic necessities.
Allegations of pressure on foreign companies
Cuba alleges that foreign companies maintaining economic ties with the country are also facing pressure from the US. Havana says the threat of secondary sanctions is further restricting the country’s access to international trade.
The US says its policy of pressure on Cuba is intended to push the Havana government toward political and economic changes.
Havana calls for sanctions to be lifted
The Cuban government rejects US policy and has renewed its call for the sanctions to be lifted and economic relations to be normalized. Cuban officials are also seeking greater international support to overcome the crisis and calling on countries to oppose unilateral sanctions.
Cuba is facing one of its most severe economic and energy crises in recent years, with fuel shortages, power outages and limited access to basic goods. As tensions between Washington and Havana continue, the Cuban government argues that increased US pressure is worsening the hardships faced by the population.
The US comprehensive economic embargo on Cuba has been in place for decades. Its scope and implementation have changed under different US administrations.
