UN warns of humanitarian collapse in Cuba as US seeks to block oil supplies

"United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned of a humanitarian collapse in Cuba if its energy needs go unmet after the United States moved to block all oil from reaching the Caribbean island and threatened tariffs on any nations that step in to help. The warning on Wednesday came amid a severe fuel shortage in Cuba that has prompted hours of blackouts, even in the capital Havana, as well as a surge in prices for food and transportation."

"Stephane Dujarric, a spokesman for Guterres, told reporters in New York that the UN chief was extremely concerned about the humanitarian situation in Cuba, which he said will worsen if not collapse, if its oil needs go unmet. Dujarric also noted that for more than three decades, the UN General Assembly, too, has consistently called for an end to the trade embargo imposed by the US on Cuba."

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned of a humanitarian collapse in Cuba if the island's energy needs remain unmet after the United States moved to block all oil shipments and threatened tariffs on any nations that supply Cuba. The island faces severe fuel shortages causing hours-long blackouts, including in Havana, and sharply higher food and transport prices. A UN spokesman noted that the General Assembly has long called for an end to the US trade embargo. The US-Cuba estrangement dates to 1959 and deepened with a full embargo in 1962. The US recently asserted control over Venezuelan oil and threatened tariffs, increasing pressure on Mexico as a supplier.

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