The Portuguese Government is advising national travelers to postpone their trips “not indispensable” to Cuba due to the context of fuel shortages affecting the South American country. On the Portuguese Communities Portal, there is a message that warns of the worsening of fuel shortages in Cuba since the beginning of the year, and on February 7th, the Cuban authorities began to communicate “a series of emergency measures, for an indefinite period, with the intention of reducing energy and fuel consumption”.
Such measures, according to the note, cover all sectors and could affect the functioning of services “in areas relevant to travelers, such as healthcare, transport, water and electricity supply, communications, commerce and restaurants”. “We also warn of the temporary closure of some hotels and possible disruptions to flights, travel, excursions and recreational activities”the note continues.
Therefore, due to the unpredictability and risk of worsening current conditions, “travelers are advised to consider postponing non-essential trips to Cuba until the situation stabilizes”recommends the Government. If they decide to travel, he calls on visitors to stay informed through official sources and their respective tour operators and airlines and “strongly recommends registering in the Traveling Registry application” and taking out comprehensive travel insurance, which covers situations of medical evacuation and trip cancellation or interruption.
Prior to the note, the Government states that the information “is not binding in nature”, functioning only as “indications and advice, and is subject to change at any time”. “Neither the Portuguese State, nor diplomatic and consular representations, can be held responsible for damages or losses to people and/or property arising therefrom”but
Since October 18, 2024, there have been, occasionally, breakdowns in the electrical system nationwide, affecting the entire island simultaneously for a few dayswith consequences also in terms of water supply, gas and access to fuel, says the published note.
“Although several hotels and restaurants have generators, their services may be more limited in the case of very prolonged outages. The functioning of hospitals can also be affected when there is a national outage in the electrical system”so travelers are advised to obtain information.
On February 12, the Minister of State and Foreign Affairs stated, in Porto, that the Government is following with attention and concern the situation in Cuba, which is suffering the consequences of the suspension of oil deliveries from Venezuela. “The issue of Cuba is followed by us with great attention and also with concern, obviously”, said Paulo Rangelwhen asked this evening by journalists about the situation on that Caribbean island, where the Vila Galé Group has hotels and travel operators are preparing travel packages on ‘charter’ flights for the Easter holidays.
Cuba faces a serious energy crisis since the end of oil deliveries by Venezuelaafter the fall of Nicolás Maduro and in the face of Washington’s threats to impose customs tariffs on countries that sell oil to the island. In response to pressure from Washington, the Cuban Government announced emergency measures, including a four-day work week for state-owned companies, restrictions on fuel sales, and reduced public transportin a country already marked by electricity cuts and a lack of food and medicine.
Several international airlines have canceled or reduced flights to the island. Spain already announced, on Monday, the upcoming sending, through the UN, of humanitarian aid to Cuba.
Leave a Reply