Cuba running on fumes as Canada weighs sending humanitarian aid

Canada says it is evaluating whether to send humanitarian aid as Cuba faces severe fuel shortages linked to U.S. measures that have limited oil deliveries, and Ottawa has urged Canadians on the island to consider leaving.

Canada says it is considering whether to send humanitarian aid to Cuba while monitoring what it calls a growing risk of a humanitarian crisis. Global Affairs Canada has encouraged Canadians on the island to consider leaving and reported more than 27,900 travellers returned on Canadian airlines before those services were suspended. Cuban officials and outside analysts report the country is experiencing severe fuel shortages that are affecting transport, tourism and some industrial operations. Cuban authorities have taken measures such as suspending diesel sales to the public to conserve supplies. Key developments: - Canada is evaluating options to support Cuba's most vulnerable people and has emphasized monitoring the situation. - U.S. measures have sharply limited Cuba's access to imported oil, according to reporting, and those restrictions have reduced fuel arrivals. - Cuba's domestic oil production supplies about 40% of its needs, and a joint venture with a Canadian company provides a portion of electricity; some industrial operations have been suspended due to fuel shortages. - Mexico and the United States have sent humanitarian supplies; Mexico's deliveries did not include oil, and the U.S. sent a reported $6 million in prepackaged commodities. Summary: The fuel restrictions and a drop in tourism are placing growing pressure on services, transport and some industries in Cuba. Canada says it is still evaluating humanitarian options and has encouraged departure of Canadian travellers; whether Canada will send aid and what form it would take is undetermined at this time.