Thursday, May 2, 2024
Argentina’s YPF has denied fuel to Cubana Airline, citing the US embargo as the reason, leading to the closure of a critical air route.
Late on Tuesday, Cuba’s foreign ministry announced that Argentina’s oil company YPF has declined to supply fuel to Cubana airline, leading to the closure of a nearly four-decade-old air route between Havana and Buenos Aires. Earlier in April, Cuba disclosed cancellations of several flights to Buenos Aires due to a fuel supply disagreement. Despite efforts to negotiate a resolution involving high-ranking officials and YPF, an agreement remained elusive.
The Argentine government defended its position by referencing the U.S. trade embargo on Cuba, a stance that the Cuban government argues breaches both Argentine and international laws. The embargo, established after Fidel Castro’s revolution in 1959, complicates Cuba’s financial dealings and acquisitions due to a complex network of U.S. legal restrictions, heightening risks for foreign entities doing business with Cuba.
This situation indicates a potential souring of diplomatic ties under Argentina’s current president, Javier Milei, known for his far-right libertarian views and a stance that appears to favor the U.S. Unlike his leftist predecessor Alberto Fernandez, who nurtured a strong relationship with Cuba, Milei has adopted a less friendly approach towards leftist partners in the region and beyond, such as Brazil and China. This shift marks a significant change in direction from the previous administration, under which Cubana’s flights to Buenos Aires had operated without major disruptions despite the sanctions.
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
