Cuba is grappling with a dire fuel shortage after the US imposed a ban on oil shipments to the island. President Donald Trump signed an executive order to add tariffs on any country selling oil to Cuba. The US claims this move targets a regime linked to terrorist groups, though no proof was offered. "Cuba will be failing pretty soon," Trump said. Only one oil shipment, 84,900 barrels from Mexico, has arrived so far this year. If no more oil comes, experts say Cuba may run out in three weeks. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum canceled a planned shipment, calling it a sovereign decision despite US pressure. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel accused Trump of trying to "suffocate the Cuban economy" through these tariffs. Diesel is crucial in Cuba, powering transport, agriculture, industry, and electricity. Currently, many areas face blackouts lasting over 12 hours daily. Traditional allies Venezuela, Russia, and Algeria have not provided recent oil deliveries. China expressed opposition to US actions but has its own oil dealings with Cuba. Inside Cuba, people like Javier Peña wait for hours in line to buy expensive petrol paid in US dollars, as the local currency petrol supply has vanished. The economic impacts are severe; the Cuban economy shrank 11% from 2019 to 2024, with another 5% decline expected by 2025. Many Cubans, like doctor-turned-moto taxi driver Eddy Marrero, struggle to make ends meet. The US embassy celebrated the 250th US independence anniversary with a message of tighter blockade, signaling more pressure ahead. Cuba is preparing defenses, but public reaction remains calm. The future looks tough as fuel scarcity worsens and economic hardships deepen.