UN warns of possible humanitarian collapse in Cuba amid worsening oil crisis

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed deep concern over Cuba’s worsening humanitarian situation, warning that conditions could deteriorate sharply if the country’s oil needs are not met.

Speaking through his spokesperson during Wednesday’s daily UN briefing, Guterres said the situation on the island could worsen — or even collapse — without sufficient fuel supplies. He also reiterated long-standing UN calls for dialogue and respect for international law as tensions escalate.

Cuba has been heavily dependent on Venezuela for oil, but supplies have been disrupted following recent geopolitical developments, including the United States’ military operation in Venezuela and the detention of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, which has affected Caracas’ ability to maintain exports.

The situation has been further complicated by new US measures targeting Cuba’s energy supply. US President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order introducing tariffs on goods from countries that provide oil to Cuba, a move the administration says is necessary to address national security concerns but which critics argue could deepen the island’s economic and energy crisis.

Cuban officials have strongly condemned the measure. Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez described the policy as a “brutal act of aggression” that threatens to subject the population to harsher living conditions.

According to the UN, Cuba already faces acute fuel shortages that have strained transportation, electricity generation and essential services, with analysts warning that a full cutoff of oil supplies could prove catastrophic for the island’s infrastructure and economy.

The UN chief noted that for more than three decades the General Assembly has consistently called for an end to the US embargo on Cuba and urged all parties to pursue constructive dialogue to avoid further humanitarian deterioration.