Severe fuel shortages linked to reduced oil shipments and tightened US sanctions have disrupted waste collection in Havana, raising public health concerns
Garbage has begun accumulating across the Cuban capital, Havana, as fuel shortages disrupt rubbish collection, in what residents describe as one of the clearest signs of mounting economic strain in Cuba.
State-run outlet Cubadebate reported that only 44 of the capital’s 106 rubbish trucks remain operational due to a lack of fuel, significantly slowing waste removal.
Cardboard boxes, plastic bottles, used bags and rags have gathered at street corners along the seafront city. Some residents were seen sorting through the waste for items they could reuse, while drivers, cyclists and pedestrians navigated around the growing heaps.
“It’s all over the city,” said local resident Jose Ramon Cruz. “It’s been more than 10 days since a garbage truck came.”
Oil supplies fall sharply
The disruption follows a steep decline in Cuba’s national oil supply over the past two months.
Venezuela, once Cuba’s principal oil supplier, effectively halted shipments in mid-December. Mexico also announced it was suspending deliveries after Washington threatened tariffs against countries providing supplies to Cuba.
A Russian newspaper reported last week that Russia was preparing to send crude and fuel cargoes to Cuba in the near future, though no specific timeline was given.
US sanctions and embargo
The
Donald Trump administration has reinforced measures against Cuba in recent months, sanctioning vessels that transport oil to the island and warning of tariffs on suppliers.
The US has maintained an embargo on Cuba since 1960. The administration argues that tightening restrictions will increase pressure for political change. However, the United Nations has consistently voted in favour of ending the embargo, and leaders in Mexico and Venezuela have warned that blocking fuel supplies could carry serious humanitarian consequences.
Residents in other towns across the island, home to around 11 million people, have used social media to raise concerns about potential public health risks linked to uncollected waste.
Cuba’s government has introduced rationing measures aimed at safeguarding essential services in a country already grappling with shortages of food, fuel and medicine.
Antonio Guterres is “very concerned” about the situation, his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters on Monday. He added that UN teams were working with Cuban authorities to support humanitarian relief efforts.
“The secretary-general would like to see all parties pursue dialogue and respect for international law yet again,” he said.
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