State of the World from NPR U.S. oil blockade roils life in Cuba. Venezuelans test new freedoms
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Feb 11, 2026 Manuel Rueda, NPR reporter in Caracas covering Venezuela's political shifts. Ada Paltz, NPR reporter in Mexico City reporting on tightened U.S. restrictions and Cuba’s fuel crisis. They discuss halted oil shipments to Cuba and resulting disruptions to travel, food and services. They also cover Venezuelans openly protesting, moves toward amnesty and the fragile limits of reform.
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Fuel Cut Sparks Widespread Disruptions
- U.S. restrictions have effectively choked off Cuba's oil supplies since December, disrupting critical services and travel.
- Cuban officials report shortages grounding flights and forcing limited schedules for government, transport, hospitals, and schools.
Empty Planes To Repatriate Tourists
- Air Canada suspended flights and flew empty planes to repatriate about 3,000 Canadian tourists stranded in Cuba due to fuel shortages.
- Cuban tourism income faces acute risks because Canadians make up a large share of visitors.
Mexico Shifts From Oil To Food Aid
- Mexico paused oil shipments to Cuba amid diplomatic pressure but sent 800 tons of food aid instead.
- Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned sanctions that harm civilians while distinguishing opposition to Cuba's government from harming its people.