Cuba's energy ministry says that the country has run out of oil and diesel, with a U.S. blockade having halted all oil shipments since January.

Speaking to state media on May 14, Cuban Energy Minister Vincente de la O Levy warned that the country's energy system is now in a "critical state." For months, Cuba has dealt with sweeping blackouts, sparking protests in the capital city of Havana. On May 13, hundreds of people gathered in the streets of Havana, blocking roads and shouting anti-government slogans as part of the largest demonstrations the city has seen since the U.S. blockade began.

Cuba and the U.S. have been engaged in talks since mid-March, with President Donald Trump having frequently threatened to invade the country and unseat the country's leadership. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also claimed in early May that Havana had turned down a $100 million humanitarian aid offer from the U.S., although Cuba has stated that it's open to reviewing the proposal.

Responding to Rubio, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Eduardo Rodríguez Parrilla said that it hadn't been made clear whether the U.S. aid would be offered in cash or in-kind, and noted that the Cuban government "does not, as a matter of practice, reject foreign aid offered in good faith and with genuine aims of cooperation." Parrilla added that the U.S. could best assist Cuba by ending the ongoing energy blockade.

Cuba has largely been reliant on Venezuela and Mexico for oil to fuel the country's refineries, however both countries cut off supplies following threats from Trump to enact tariffs against any countries that send energy to the island nation.