UN Sounds Alarm About Cuba’s Fuel Crisis

UN Secretary-General António Guterres is “extremely concerned” about the worsening situation in Cuba as fuel shortages continue to impact daily life across the island.

According to Secretary-General Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, Guterres has been following developments in Cuba “extremely closely” and is warning that unmet oil needs are deepening the crisis.

The spokesperson pointed out that the UN General Assembly has long called for an end to the blockade. Guterres is urging all parties to pursue dialogue, to respect international law and to avoid further escalation.

Dujarric said UN teams remain on the ground in Cuba, working alongside the island’s authorities to support humanitarian relief efforts.

TRANSCRIPT

“The Secretary-General has been following the situation in Cuba extremely closely,” said Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General. “And I can tell you that he’s very concerned about the situation in Cuba, which is worsening, as oil needs continue to be unmet.”

“As you know, the General Assembly has consistently called for an end to the embargo imposed by the United States on Cuba,” the UN spokesperson recalled.

“The Secretary-General would like to see all parties pursue dialogue and respect for international law yet again,” Dujarric said.

“But our teams on the ground are working with the government to help support the humanitarian relief for the people of Cuba,” he added.