Cuba Preparing For 'Acute Fuel Shortages' As a Result Of U.S. Pressure, President Says

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said the country is making preparations to face "acute fuel shortages" as a result of pressure exerted by the United States.

"We'll live through tough times. These, in particular, are very tough," Diaz-Canel told press on Thursday.

Others are echoing the warnings. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres warned Cuba could "collapse" if the current situation continues.

Stephane Dujarric, a spokesman for Guterres, told press that the secretary general is "extremely concerned about the humanitarian situation" in the Caribbean country, which will "worsen, if not collapse, if its oil needs go unmet."

Dujarric went on to say Guterres is urging "all parties to pursue dialogue and respect for international law."

Tensions continue to run high in the region as a report from the Financial Times last week claimed that the country has less than a month worth of oil at current levels of demand and domestic production.

Citing data company Kpler, the outlet noted on January 29 that the country had oil to last 15 to 20 days unless deliveries resume. "They have a major crisis on their hands" Jorge Piñon, an oil expert at the University of Texas told the outlet.

The country has only received less than 85,000 barrels this year, according to the FT. All came from a shipment on January 9, Kpler detailed. The figure adds to an estimated 460,000 barrels held in inventories at the beginning of the year.

President Donald Trump has been urging the beleaguered country to engage before its stock runs out completely.

Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio, on his end, rejected reports that the country is taking steps towards formal negotiations with the U.S. but acknowledged there are conversations.

Speaking to Spanish agency EFE, the official said that "the U.S. government is perfectly aware of Cuba's stance and its willingness to engage in dialogue and has not rejected that."

However, Diaz-Canel said in another passage of the contact with press that Havana has begun a "defense preparedness plan" due to U.S. policies. "It is a sovereign duty upon an aggression to be prepared for defense," he added, noting that Cuba is conducting drills all Saturdays.

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