A blockade of oil deliveries to Cuba has forced emergency rationing, kneecapping the country's critical tourism and tobacco sectors even as remittances are under threat and income earned from sending doctors abroad has been all but cut off.

Cuba’s medical missions remain a major revenue stream, generating about $7 billion last year. In 2025, 24,000 health professionals were deployed in 56 countries, with 13,000 in Venezuela. The U.S. has criticized the program as forced labor and pressed for changes, influencing other countries to reassess deals, such as Guatemala ending a 27-year arrangement and Antigua and Barbuda terminating a similar pact. Guyana signaled it will pay doctors directly, and officials warned that these agreements are likely to evolve.

Tourism, Cuba’s second-largest foreign income source, faces a severe risk from the U.S. oil embargo tied to the situation in Venezuela. The energy squeeze threatens the electricity grid and could cripple tourism, which previously employed over 300,000 people and had revenues that had fallen 70% over six years due to sanctions and the pandemic. The energy crisis has forced Havana to suspend jet fuel shipments, prompting airlines to repatriate passengers and some services to halt. Several countries have advised against travel to Cuba.

Remittances, a crucial lifeline after Western Union suspended transfers in 2020, have mostly depended on travelers from Miami bringing money and goods. Recently, Florida lawmakers considered canceling flights to Cuba, though this has not occurred.

Tobacco remains a key export. In 2024, Cuban cigar sales reached $827 million. Harsh fuel shortages hinder agriculture, with farmers like Hector Luis Prieto relying on solar power for irrigation. Cigar-related festival revenues, totaling several million and nearly $19 million in 2025, were set to be announced but the festival was canceled due to the energy crisis. (Bssnews)