Cuba's annual cigar fair postponed amid US oil blockade
Deutsche Welle
February 15, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Cuba has indefinitely postponed its prestigious annual Habanos cigar fair, known for showcasing luxury cigars and raising funds for the Cuban healthcare system, due to severe fuel shortages exacerbated by the US oil blockade. The cancellation comes as Cuba faces an escalating crisis, with power outages and transportation disruptions caused by the lack of oil supplies. Organizers emphasized that the decision was made to uphold the event's high standards, but no new date has been set yet.
The situation has worsened significantly since December when Venezuela, Cuba's primary oil supplier, halted deliveries following US actions against Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. This move, coupled with Mexico's recent announcement to stop sending oil after President Trump threatened tariffs, has left Cuba struggling to secure fuel. The island, which imports 60% of its energy needs, is now grappling with an unprecedented shortfall, forcing the cancellation of several cultural events and even airline flights due to a lack of guaranteed fuel supplies.
The US blockade aims to pressure Cuba's communist government by limiting access to essential resources. While Habanos, a global monopoly on Cuban cigar sales, reported record earnings last year, the broader economic impact is severe. Proceeds from the canceled festival were expected to support the Cuban healthcare system, which is already strained by the embargo and internal challenges.
This crisis underscores the ongoing tensions between the US and Cuba, with Washington's policies tightening the screws on the island nation. The situation highlights not only the immediate hardships faced by Cubans but also the long-term implications for their economy and way of life. As international observers watch, the unfolding drama raises questions about the effectiveness of economic sanctions as a tool for regime change and the human cost of such strategies.
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Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 2/15/2026