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Trump's Fuel Blockade Pushes Cuba Toward Economic Collapse, Reports Say

PoliticsPolitics
Key Points
  • Donald Trump has reportedly imposed a fuel blockade against Cuba since early 2026, preventing oil imports.
  • Cuba is experiencing widespread power outages and food shortages as a result of the blockade, according to reports.
  • The tourism industry has collapsed with popular destinations like Varadero empty and hotels vacant.

Cuba is reportedly facing severe economic challenges following what Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter describes as a new fuel blockade imposed by Donald Trump. According to the report, since the beginning of 2026, not a single drop of oil has entered the country, leading to widespread power outages and food shortages across the island nation.

The blockade has particularly impacted Cuba's tourism industry, with the popular resort destination of Varadero described as empty. Hotels that typically host around one million visitors annually now stand vacant, and beaches are reportedly abandoned. The report suggests Cuba is approaching economic collapse, raising questions about the future of the country's communist regime.

since the beginning of 2026, not a single drop of oil has entered the country

Dagens Nyheter, Swedish newspaper

The Swedish publication, citing its South America correspondent Henrik Brandão Jönsson, indicates that the fuel blockade has hit Cuba hard, with the country now suffering from large-scale electricity blackouts and food scarcity. The situation appears to be worsening as the blockade continues into March 2026.

the popular resort destination of Varadero described as empty

Dagens Nyheter, Swedish newspaper

Hotels that typically host around one million visitors annually now stand vacant, and beaches are reportedly abandoned

Dagens Nyheter, Swedish newspaper

the fuel blockade has hit Cuba hard, with the country now suffering from large-scale electricity blackouts and food scarcity

Henrik Brandão Jönsson, South America correspondent for Dagens Nyheter

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