Cuba has indefinitely postponed its annual cigar festival in Havana due to a severe energy crisis that has been triggered by what authorities describe as a US ‘oil siege’, which has caused widespread blackouts and grounded flights across the island. The five-day festival, scheduled for the end of February, has been delayed ‘until further notice’, with organisers pointing to the country’s worsening economic and energy situation.
A key annual gathering for cigar aficionados, the festival normally attracts more than 1,300 participants from 70 countries, who come to sample cigars and visit plantations and factories across the island. In a statement, the organisers said that the festival aims to offer participants ‘a comprehensive experience reflecting the international relevance and prestige of this event’, and added that the postponement was intended to preserve the event’s high standards.
The decision represents a significant blow to Cuba’s struggling economy. The 2026 edition was set to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Cohiba, the world’s most famous cigar brand. Last year’s festival attracted worldwide attention when a batch of hand-rolled Cohiba humidor cigars sold for $19 million (roughly €17.8 million) at auction, while the festival organiser and exporter, Habanos S. A., recorded revenues of $827 million (€689 million) in 2025.
Habanos S. A., a joint venture between Cuba’s state tobacco industry and international investors, holds a monopoly over Cuban cigar exports. Cuba’s state tobacco company later described the current crisis as stemming from the long-running US economic, commercial, and financial embargo, which has been exacerbated in recent months by disruptions to oil shipments. The situation worsened following an executive order on 29 January 2026 by US President Donald Trump, which declared a national emergency and authorised steep tariffs on any country that ‘directly or indirectly’ supplies oil to Cuba.
Cuba imports around 60% of its energy and this ‘oil siege’ has deterred long-standing suppliers such as Mexico and Venezuela. Shipments from Venezuela – reportedly amounting to around 35,000 barrels of oil per day – have effectively ceased since the US operation to capture Nicolás Maduro in January 2026. In early February, Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, paused shipments to Cuba to avoid potential US tariffs.
Consequently, tourism, one of Cuba’s few remaining sources of foreign currency, is suffering. Due to fuel rationing, some hotels have temporarily closed to save energy, travel agencies have cancelled trips and other cultural events, including a national book fair, have been postponed.
The country is also experiencing aviation fuel shortages, prompting several airlines to suspend flights. A NOTAM (Notice to Air Missions) has been issued stating that Jet A-1 fuel is unavailable at all nine Cuban international airports from 10 February. The United Kingdom has updated its travel advice, warning against non-essential travel to Cuba. Several Canadian airlines have suspended routes, while other carriers are refuelling in neighbouring countries, such as the Dominican Republic, to maintain operations.
Hospitals have also been affected, particularly patients requiring daily treatments such as dialysis or respiratory support, as blackouts lasting up to 18 hours a day are disrupting homes, businesses, and essential infrastructure. President Trump has urged Cuba’s leadership to reach an agreement with Washington, or face further pressure. For now, it seems that the island is facing that ‘or else’. Nevertheless, festival organisers said they hope conditions will improve, and that they are working to announce new dates once the situation has stabilised.
