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(CNN Spanish) - Cuba is short of fuel. The president of Cuba, Miguel Díaz Canel, along with the presidents of the Councils of State and ministers of the country, announced on national television this Wednesday the measures that the Cuban government should take to face the situation.
Although the representatives of the Government recognized that there is a "low diesel" that could affect the distribution of some products because it depends on transport and ensure the operation of thermoelectric plants.
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Díaz Canel said that this situation is the result of US sanctions that “have limited contracts with shipping companies that provided resources to Cuba,” and insisted that it is an energy problem and not a supply one.
It is the result of "the escalation of hostilities by the United States against Cuba," said the president, adding that the United States government "strives to prevent the arrival of fuel from arriving in Cuba."
During the administration of President Barack Obama, the rules on travel to Cuba were relaxed, making it easier for US citizens to meet the requirements of certain travel categories without a formal application and approval process. President Trump hardened those rules again in November 2017, allowing only person-to-person travel to groups traveling under the supervision of a US entity.
The most recent announcement of the tightening of the US blockade on Cuba was last June when the new travel restrictions to Cuba for US citizens were ratified. Group educational trips will not be authorized, according to a statement published by the Treasury Department.
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The Trump administration also recently allowed US and Cuban-American companies to sue companies that used properties that were seized after the Cuban revolution of 1959,
including cruise terminals and airports.
To minimize the impact of sanctions on services, specifically ensuring the distribution of fuel, Díaz Canel said he had a plan, which did not offer many details. Yes he emphasized however in
that it is necessary to save fuel "for the fuel to last until the end of the month when the other vessels enter." The president said he also expects a ship with fuel to be received on September 14.
Among some measures to mitigate the lack of fuel, Díaz Canel mentioned “the need to work with the decrease in consumption during peak hours”.
“Our people will continue to be happy, industrious, creative, cheerful and joking, even in the most difficult situation. With renewed optimism we give ourselves to find a solution. Nobody gives up here! ”Concluded Díaz Canel.
Cuba