Havana: The Cuban government has announced that international flights will no longer be able to refuel in the country due to a looming aviation fuel shortage. This development follows threats from U.S. President Donald Trump to impose tariffs on any nation supplying oil to the island.

According to Anadolu Agency, Cuba's leadership stated that the country would run out of aviation fuel starting Monday. This shortage is expected to disrupt airline operations, with all international airports in Cuba likely to be affected. The shortage could persist for about a month, impacting both domestic and international carriers.

The situation arises in the wake of the Trump administration's military operation on January 3 aimed at capturing Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, a Cuban government ally. The U.S. has since intensified its stance on Cuba. A late January executive order from President Trump labeled the Cuban regime as posing 'an unusual and extraordinary threat,' necessitating the declaration of a national emergency. The U.S. president cited human rights abuses, communist governance, and Cuba's alliances with countries like China, Russia, and Iran as contributing factors to regional instability.

President Trump further warned of potential tariffs on countries that provide Cuba with oil, either directly or indirectly. Cuba currently meets about one-third of its energy needs through domestic production, relying on imports for the remainder. Mexico is the primary supplier, with additional imports from Russia and Venezuela, the latter expected to account for approximately 30 percent of Cuba's energy supplies by 2025.

In response to the fuel crisis, the Cuban government has implemented a stringent emergency plan. This includes closing some hotels, reducing operating hours at public offices and hospitals, and prohibiting the sale of diesel to manage without imported crude oil and its derivatives.