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Cuba implements rationing plan in response to US move to block fuel supply

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel announced on Thursday that his government will implement a plan to address fuel shortages in the 'next week' as the U.S. attempts to cut off oil supplies to the Caribbean Island nation. Last week, tensions escalated after the U.S. announced it would impose tariffs on products from countries that supply oil to Cuba. This led to a spike in prices for transportation and food, and a severe shortage of fuel. Last month, U.S. president Donald Trump announced that Cuba would cease to receive oil from Venezuela, its largest supplier.

Diaz-Canel stated in a two-hour long televised news conference that the U.S. Blockade affects public transportation, hospitals and schools, as well as the economy and tourism. How do we till the soil? How do we get around? "How can we keep our children in class without fuel?"

"We will take measures, which, though not permanent, require some effort. Some of these...?are restrictive, forcing us to reduce consumption and encourage savings. We have to 'postpone' or halt certain activities in order to maintain a high level of performance.

BLACKOUT ATTACKS SEVERAL PROVINCES

The island's government is struggling to keep the lights lit with the dwindling supply of fuel and the failing infrastructure.

Diaz Canel reiterated on Thursday the statements made by Cuba's Foreign Ministry that it was willing to speak with the United States but only under certain conditions.

Cuban President said, "Cuba will engage in dialogue with the U.S. Government, as long as they do not interfere in Cuban internal affairs or undermine our sovereignty." Cuba's top diplomatic representative in the United States, Carlos Fernandez de Cossio said this week that Cuba had begun to communicate with the U.S. but still hadn't established a formal bilateral dialog.

Diaz-Canel didn't provide details on the talks or measures that will be announced next week but laid out a broad plan to deal with U.S. pressurization.

He said that the island will increase solar?generation, and use renewable resources, to ensure electricity is available for vital services such as hospitals, elderly care centers, and isolated areas.

Diaz Canel stated that Cuba generates about 1,000 megawatts or 38% of the daytime electricity it uses from solar panels. The panels were installed over the last two years with help from China.

Diaz-Canel stated that Cuba is working to increase crude oil storage and extraction capacity in order to boost its self-sufficiency.

Cuba has the right to receive fuel delivered by sea, he added.

He said, "We will take all the necessary steps to make sure that fuel can be imported into the country once more."

(source: Reuters)