Cubans face dire shortages and ramping inflation as U.S. blocks cheap oil from Venezuela

WBUR | By Here & Now Newsroom

Published December 23, 2025 at 11:55 AM EST

As the U.S. intercepts more oil carriers from Venezuela, one of its closest allies faces a crisis. Cuba relies on Venezuelan oil, and the halted shipments are worsening conditions on the island.

We get the latest from Juan Forero, Wall Street Journal South America bureau chief.

This article was originally published on WBUR.org.

NPR News

Here & Now Newsroom

Support nonprofit, fact-based public service journalism

WEKU depends on support from those who view and listen to our content. There's no paywall here. Please support WEKU with your donation.

Contribute now

Related Content

Cost of living has gone up 3.4% in the last year

Scott Horsley

A new report shows the cost of living in August was up 3.4% from a year ago. Investors think stubborn inflation makes it more likely that the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates next week.
Yemen's Houthis say they now control land that overlooks a key shipping route

Aya Batrawy

Yemen's Houthis have overrun Saudi-backed forces to consolidate control along a Red Sea shipping strait.
Ethics watchdogs await RFK Jr.'s financial report

Sydney Lupkin

Health Secretary RFK Jr.'s annual financial disclosure is late. When it posts, the public could learn how much he has earned from a vaccine-related lawsuit against Merck, which RFK now regulates.
What it takes to make a new — branded — tomato

Kenny Malone, Daniel Pashman

Why is the grocery store produce aisle filling up with branded fruits and vegetables, like honeycrisp apples and cuties oranges? We watch the effort to make one new — branded — tomato.
NPR News

The other side of 9/11: Afghans reckon with America's long shadow

D. Parvaz

It's been nearly 25 years since the start of the U.S- led invasion of Afghanistan. NPR returns to Kabul to see how Afghans, now back under Taliban rule, are coping with the legacy of that 20 year war.