Cuban government to announce new economic measures

The Cuban government will announce today new economic measures following those adopted in the face of the fuel shortages caused by the tightening of the US blockade that has been imposed on the island for over 60 years.

Local media report the appearance this afternoon on radio and television of Vice President Salvador Valdes Mesa, and the ministers of Economy and Planning, Finance and Prices, Domestic Trade, and Foreign Trade and Investment.

The Minister-President of the Central Bank of Cuba and the First Vice President of CIMEX Corporation will also appear on the Mesa Redonda television program.

Cubavision, Cubavision Internacional and Radio Habana Cuba will broadcast this program at 18:00 local time. It will also be available on Facebook and YouTube.

In September, the Cuban government announced fuel shortages due to the persecution and pressures of the US government against oil tankers, shipping companies and insurance companies, which prevented the normal supply flow to then island.

Adjustments, savings and greater efficiency measures were designed to ensure basic services were not disrupted and avoid major impacts on the population.

President Miguel Diaz-Canel commended the attitude and participation of citizens in the application of such decisions, which allowed, among other results, the saving of thousands of tons of fuel.

Diaz-Canel described Washington's aim to cut fuel supplies to Cuba as a genocidal policy. He also said that some of the measures taken to face this energy situation are 'here to stay.'