US Tightens Oil Grip on Cuba, Disrupting Air Travel

Trump administration's efforts to cut off oil deliveries to Cuba have ripple effects on the island nation's economy and air transportation.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The Trump administration has ramped up pressure on Cuba by attempting to cut off oil deliveries to the island nation. This move is having a trickle-down effect on Cuba's economy, with CNN's Patrick Oppmann reporting that the oil shortage is now disrupting air travel within Cuba.

Why it matters

Cuba's reliance on imported oil makes it vulnerable to US sanctions and policies aimed at isolating the country. The disruption to air travel affects both Cubans and foreign visitors, highlighting the broader economic impact of the US chokehold on Cuba's oil supply.

The details

The Trump administration's efforts to restrict oil deliveries to Cuba are part of a broader strategy to increase pressure on the Cuban government. This move is having a cascading effect on the Cuban economy, with the oil shortage now impacting the country's air transportation network.

  • The Trump administration has ramped up pressure on Cuba in recent years.
  • CNN's report on the impact of the oil shortage on Cuban air travel was published on February 10, 2026.

The players

Trump administration

The US government under the leadership of former President Donald Trump, which has implemented policies aimed at isolating and pressuring the Cuban government.

Patrick Oppmann

A CNN reporter who has been covering the impact of the US oil restrictions on Cuba's economy and air travel.

Cuba

The Caribbean island nation that relies heavily on imported oil and is facing the consequences of the US chokehold on its oil supply.

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What they’re saying

“The Trump administration has ramped up pressure on Cuba by trying to cut off oil deliveries there.”

— Patrick Oppmann, CNN Reporter (CNN)

What’s next

The impact of the US oil restrictions on Cuba's air travel and broader economy is likely to continue, with the potential for further escalation or diplomatic efforts to resolve the issue.

The takeaway

The US chokehold on Cuba's oil supply is having far-reaching consequences, disrupting the island nation's air travel and highlighting the vulnerability of its economy to American sanctions and policies. This situation underscores the ongoing tensions between the two countries and the need for a diplomatic resolution to address Cuba's reliance on imported oil.