By Merve Aydogan
HAMILTON, Canada (AA) - The UN expressed concern Monday over the growing fuel shortages in Cuba after US President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on any country that sells oil to the island nation.
"I can tell you that the UN continues to monitor the situation in the country and is working with the Government to provide more support, including food, water and sanitation and health care," UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said during a news conference.
Stressing that the UN is "concerned about the growing fuel shortages and their impact on people," he also noted the "disruptions to the delivery of clean water, medical care, food and other critical aid in parts of Cuba hit hard by Hurricane Melissa last October."
"Our humanitarian colleagues note that there are also concerns that the fuel scarcity could have implications on the operation of airports," he added.
The decision comes after the Cuban government announced that international flights would no longer be able to refuel there because of aviation fuel shortages after Trump threatened to impose tariffs.
Since the Trump administration's Jan. 3 military operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, a longtime supporter of Cuba's government, it has sought to strengthen the US position on Cuba.
In an executive order in late January, Trump described the Cuban regime as posing "an unusual and extraordinary threat," saying that a declaration of a national emergency was necessary.
Recalling the UN's "Plan of Action" that was launched in November 2025 following Hurricane Melissa, Dujarric said the plan, which seeks $74 million, is “currently only 23% funded."
Calling for more funding to provide aid to those in need, he also emphasized the UN's commitment to "supporting recovery efforts led by the authorities and to helping families recover.”