By S.Browne. Updated 4:28 p.m., Wednesday, May 13, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
Cuba continues to face widespread shortages affecting fuel, food, medicines and electricity, according to the country’s Ambassador to St Vincent and the Grenadines, His Excellency Carlos Ernesto Rodríguez Etcheverry.
Speaking during an interview with One News SVG on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, the Ambassador described the situation as a “very complex economic situation” affecting daily life across the country.
“Cuba is facing a very complex economic situation marked by shortages of fuel, food, medicines, and electricity,” he said.
He said the shortages have contributed to wider disruptions, including inflationary pressures, food scarcity, transport difficulties, and recurring electricity blackouts across the island.
The Ambassador noted that Cuba has also experienced significant challenges in securing fuel supplies in recent months.
“Cuba has not been able to import regular oil supplies,” he said, adding that the only oil shipment received within the last four months came from Russia.
He said these conditions have affected multiple sectors, including transportation, agriculture, healthcare, education, and water supply systems.
Despite the difficulties, Rodríguez Etcheverry said Cuba continues to prioritise healthcare, education, and social welfare programmes.
According to the Ambassador, the United States government maintains that its sanctions policy towards Cuba is intended to encourage political reforms on the island, including improvements in human rights conditions and broader democratic changes.
However, Rodríguez Etcheverry strongly rejected that framing.
“The U.S. economic, financial and commercial blockade is the principal obstacle to our country’s economic development and the well-being of the Cuban people,” he said.
“As we have said many times and as it is also recognised by the international community and the United Nations, the sanctions are illegal, extraterritorial, and harmful to ordinary citizens. They are causing suffering to Cuban families.”
He also referenced executive orders issued on January 29 and May 1, 2026, which he described as an escalation of sanctions pressure.
Despite the ongoing economic challenges, Rodríguez Etcheverry said Cuba continues to prioritise essential social services, while maintaining engagement and dialogue with international partners.
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