Cuba in February 2026: the most important developments in economy
Cuba's economy in February 2026 was dominated by a jet fuel shortage that grounded international air links. On February 9 Air Canada suspended all flights to the island, citing the shortage, which is linked to US oil restrictions limiting Cuba's access to fuel. Cuba suspended airline refueling and warned of a jet fuel crisis, saying the government can no longer refuel aircraft. By February 10 Air Canada, WestJet and Air Transat had cancelled all flights and were bringing thousands of tourists home. By February 11 Russian carriers announced plans to suspend operations and evacuate tourists, while Spain's Iberia kept flying and offered refunds and ticket changes. Rossiya Airlines said earlier that it would continue flights but might adjust routes.
The fuel crunch spread beyond aviation. Cuba warned of widespread power outages across the island, and reports described daily life and the economy being disrupted. The US embargo also increased pressure on Cuba's nickel industry.
Governments took positions on the crisis. Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum said 'unfair' US tariffs would 'strangle' the Cuban economy; Mexico has suspended oil supplies but pledged continued humanitarian aid. Russia called the fuel situation critical and accused the United States of 'suffocating' the island. Some Spanish business owners in Cuba described themselves as trapped in a dead-end economic situation.
by WorldBrief & Maksim Micheliov | AI-generated summary
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