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GlobalizationCuba

Cuba's economy faces a future without Venezuela's oil

02:26

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January 12, 2026

Cuba is bracing for more hardship after the US took custody of the president of its oil-rich ally Venezuela. The country's long‑standing energy crisis will be compounded by the latest geopolitical developments.

Cuba is on the brink of even more hardship as its long‑standing energy crisis is affected by shifting geopolitics. Daily blackouts, fuel shortages and an already-low supply of food and medicine have left many residents worried about what happens if Venezuela — historically one of Cuba’s key oil suppliers — can no longer deliver.

As political pressure on Caracas intensifies, Cubans fear they will lack fuel, medical support and other vital supplies. Analysts warn of severe consequences for the island’s economy, while others point to potential backing from countries such as China or Russia. The uncertainty is adding new strain to a population that has already faced years of scarcity.
This video summary was created by AI from the original DW script. It was edited by a journalist before publication.

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