President Donald Trump Threatens Cuba's Oil, Residents Face Blackouts

The White House said President Donald Trump signed an executive order declaring a national emergency and directing the secretaries of state and commerce to assess tariffs on countries that sell or provide oil to Cuba.

Pemex reported it shipped nearly 20,000 barrels per day to Cuba from Jan. through Sept. 30, 2025, while analyst Jorge Piñón said satellite tracking showed shipments fell to about 7,000 barrels per day, reflecting contested estimates.

Cuba's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez declared an 'international emergency' and said the U.S. tariff warning constituted 'an unusual and extraordinary threat,' while Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said she would seek details from the U.S. State Department and explore humanitarian alternatives.

Residents and local officials said Cuba's daily electricity demand is about 3,000 megawatts and that blackouts now routinely last eight to 12 hours, disrupting water pumps, internet service and traffic lights in Havana neighborhoods.

Analysts and Cuban officials warned of a possible humanitarian crisis, with the Financial Times estimating 15 to 20 days of fuel left and Jorge Piñón warning of severe shortages within four to eight weeks if deliveries do not resume.