Fuel Shortage in Cuba Prompts Russian Tourists to Find Their Own Way Home

MEXICO CITY, Feb 17 – Russian tourists in Cuba are arranging their own departures via third countries as fuel shortages complicate travel, according to the Russian consulate in Havana. The most common route home involves flights from Havana to Moscow with stops in Cancun and Istanbul.

Acting Consul General Alexei Nekrasov told RIA Novosti that travelers who initially arrived without a return ticket are primarily using these alternative paths. "They are people who need to leave urgently," Nekrasov said. Direct charter flights operated by Russian carriers have also evacuated some tourists.

As of February 9, an estimated 3,000 to 3,500 Russian tourists were on the island. The consulate does not have figures for how many have since arranged private travel.

The fuel shortage stems from a U.S. energy embargo on Cuba. Russian Ambassador to Havana Viktor Koronelli stated earlier this month that Russia intends to continue oil supplies to the island. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov later described the situation in Cuba as critical, confirming that Moscow is discussing potential aid and solutions with Cuban officials.