Collapse of Cuba may follow Venezuelan oil cutoff

The article reports that U.S. actions in Venezuela and tighter controls on Venezuelan oil shipments have put Cuba's largely oil-dependent electricity system at serious risk, and that diminished fuel supplies could constrain the government's mobility and capacity to enforce control.

Cuba faces growing strain as reported changes in Venezuelan oil supplies and related U.S. policy move closer to cutting off a key fuel source. The article explains that Cuba has long depended on gifted Venezuelan barrels and that much of the island's electricity is generated from oil. It notes existing hardships such as frequent blackouts and limited access to medicines and other goods. The piece links reduced fuel access to a potential weakening of the state's operational capacity. Key reported facts: - Cuba generates most of its electricity from oil and has received significant oil shipments from Venezuela for many years. - The article reports that recent U.S. measures and tighter control of Venezuelan exports have reduced those shipments and deterred replacement supplies. - Energy specialists cited in the article predict Cuba's thermoelectric plants may soon be unable to operate reliably, increasing outages. - The article states Cuba's remaining foreign-exchange sources include tourism, nickel exports, remittances, and some medical-worker earnings. Summary: The article suggests reduced oil supplies could deepen everyday shortages and limit the Cuban government's ability to move security forces and sustain services. Undetermined at this time.