The Cuban president asserts that his country "is not alone" in the face of US threats to its oil supply

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel stated on Thursday, February 5, that his country "is not alone" and that it will continue to rely on renewable energy in the face of threats from the United States to its oil supply.

"We cannot openly explain everything we are doing," but "Cuba is not alone," the head of state assured, referring to foreign governments, companies or institutions that have expressed interest in supporting Cuba in this matter, without giving further details on this support.

After halting deliveries from Venezuela following the capture of President Nicolas Maduro in early January, US President Donald Trump last week issued an executive order stating that the United States could impose tariffs on countries selling oil to Havana.

Washington cites an "exceptional threat" that Cuba, a Caribbean island located only 150 km off the coast of Florida, would pose to American national security.

Pressure from Washington is causing an "acute fuel shortage" on the island of 9,6 million inhabitants, said Mr. Diaz-Canel, who acknowledged that in recent weeks, electricity production from diesel and fuel oil-powered generators in Cuba has been "zero" due to a lack of fuel.

The Cuban president acknowledged that this situation is "exploding" the country's energy deficit, which is now dependent on electricity supplied by its aging network of thermal power plants running on oil extracted on the island and on photovoltaic parks installed in 2025.

"The way in which a set of coercive measures by the United States government (...) has moved towards an energy blockade of the country confirms the importance of maintaining this priority in the country's energy transition towards renewable energy sources," added Miguel Diaz-Canel during a press conference broadcast on national television.

In 2025, 49 photovoltaic parks were installed, which now generate 38% of the electricity consumed by the country during the day, he specified.

Before 2023, electricity production from renewable energy was 3%, compared to 10% in 2025, he added.

The head of state acknowledged that currently power cuts are affecting residential areas more "because we are giving priority to the economy".