Canada has announced plans to help Cuba as the Caribbean nation struggles with severe fuel shortages after the United States tightened restrictions on oil supplies to the island. The Canadian government said on Monday that it is preparing assistance for Cuba but has not yet shared specific details about what this support will involve.

The shortages have deepened because the U.S. government under President Donald Trump has blocked all oil shipments to Cuba, including deliveries from its traditional supplier, Venezuela. This has driven up costs for essentials such as food and transport, contributed to widespread power outages, and added to the hardships faced by residents.

Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand confirmed that Ottawa is drawing up an aid plan but did not disclose what form the assistance might take. The United Nations has warned that if Cuba’s energy needs continue to go unmet, the situation could escalate into a humanitarian emergency.

Tensions between Canada and the U.S. have been growing over several policy issues, including trade tariffs and foreign relations, with Ottawa seeking to assert a more independent middle‑power role. Trump has publicly predicted that Cuba’s economy will soon collapse under the weight of the tightening U.S. measures, and his administration’s recent military action in Venezuela—leading to the capture of its leader—has further strained regional relations.