For years, Venezuelan oil served as the backbone of Cuba's economic survival under its socialist regime. However, this crucial supply has ceased. Since mid-December, not a single shipment of crude oil or fuel has arrived from Venezuela, according to documents from the state-owned PDVSA and maritime traffic data cited by Reuters.
The capture of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces in early January marked the final blow to a relationship that has left Havana without its primary energy source.
Back in 2025, Venezuela was supplying Cuba with approximately 26,500 barrels per day, which accounted for roughly a third of the country's requirements. Today, tankers remain stationary, and the silence at Cuban ports confirms the fears of many: the Chávez-Maduro alliance can no longer prop up the Castro-led government.
Without Venezuelan shipments, the administration of Miguel Díaz-Canel faces a perfect storm that could potentially hasten the collapse of the regime.
The shortage of fuel translates into endless power outages, halted transportation, and families resorting to cooking with charcoal. Even though some smaller shipments have arrived from Mexico—like a vessel carrying 85,000 barrels from Coatzacoalcos—experts warn that this aid is merely symbolic and "far from sufficient" to keep the island running.
"The situation is going to be catastrophic," warned Cuban researcher Jorge Piñón from the University of Texas. His warning encapsulates the sentiment of a nation that, without oil or strong allies, sees the final support of its worn-out system crumbling.
While Díaz-Canel insists on resisting "to the last drop of blood," the harsh reality is hitting Cubans hard. Each day without Venezuelan oil brings the country closer to a breaking point.
The question is no longer whether the regime can withstand the pressure, but rather how much longer it can endure before scarcity and social unrest make it impossible to maintain the illusion of normalcy.
Implications of Venezuela's Oil Halt on Cuba
What is the impact of Venezuela stopping oil shipments to Cuba?
The halt in oil shipments from Venezuela has led to severe fuel shortages in Cuba, causing widespread power outages, transportation disruptions, and forcing families to rely on alternative fuel sources like charcoal.
How much oil did Venezuela previously supply to Cuba?
In 2025, Venezuela supplied Cuba with approximately 26,500 barrels of oil per day, which constituted about one-third of Cuba's fuel needs.
Can Cuba find alternative sources of oil?
While some smaller shipments have arrived from countries like Mexico, these are not sufficient to meet Cuba's demands. The country is facing difficulties in securing a reliable alternative source for its oil needs.