Cuba faces fuel shortage as Canadians express concern

Cuba is reporting fuel and food shortages and Canada advises against non-essential travel; major airlines have suspended regular flights and some carriers are repatriating passengers.

Cuba is reporting shortages of fuel and food, and the Canadian government has advised against non-essential travel. Major airlines have suspended regular commercial flights and some carriers are operating flights to return passengers to Canada. Officials say jet fuel shipments from Venezuela stopped in mid-December and the U.S. announced an executive order on Jan. 29 that affects countries selling fuel to Cuba. Key facts: - Canada has advised against non-essential travel to Cuba and several airlines have paused scheduled service. - Some airlines are operating flights specifically to repatriate travellers who are already in Cuba. - Cuban jet fuel deliveries from Venezuela were reported to have stopped in mid-December, and a U.S. executive order announced on Jan. 29 addresses fuel sales to Cuba. Summary: The disruptions have affected travel plans and are reported to have immediate effects on the tourism sector and bookings. Undetermined at this time.