Cuba Now Closing Tourism Resorts, One Of Its Last Lifelines, Due To Fuel Shortages From U.S. Pressure

Cuba has begun closing tourism resorts, one of its last remaining lifelines, as fuel shortages resulting from U.S. pressure continue depleting the country's reserves.

Bloomberg reported that at least two large beach resorts on Cayo Coco are closing this weekend due to gasoline shortages. One said the resort is shutting down because there is no fuel for employees to get to work. Guests will be relocated to another resort 30 miles away.

An employee of Mojito Cayo Coco said it is the first time he has seen a temporary shutdown resulting from a non-weather event.

Cuba's tourism industry was already experiencing a prolonged decline even before the fuel shortages.

After averaging more than 4 million visitors as recently as 2019, only about 1.6 million tourists visited Cuba between January and November 2025, a drop of nearly 70 % since 2018, according to The Associated Press. The COVID-19 pandemic, combined with ongoing U.S. threats and sanctions, have contributed to the drop.

The Cuban regime has also begun limiting some other activities as a result of U.S. pressure. The Associated Press detailed this week in another report that public transport between provinces is experiencing limitations, and some educational establishments told workers to stay at home.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel had already warned that the country is making preparations to face "acute fuel shortages" as a result of pressure exerted by the United States.

"We'll live through tough times. These, in particular, are very tough," Diaz-Canel told press on Thursday.

Others are echoing the warnings. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres warned Cuba could "collapse" if the current situation continues.

Citing data company Kpler, the outlet noted on January 29 that the country had oil to last 15 to 20 days unless deliveries resume. "They have a major crisis on their hands" Jorge Piñon, an oil expert at the University of Texas told the outlet.

President Donald Trump has been urging the beleaguered country to engage before its stock runs out completely.

Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio, on his end, this week rejected reports that the country is taking steps towards formal negotiations with the U.S. but acknowledged there are conversations.

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