'Punitive': Venezuela slams US tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba

Venezuela on Friday criticised new US measures targeting Cuba, calling them “punitive” and warning of serious humanitarian consequences for the island nation.The reaction came a day after US President Donald Trump signed an order threatening tariffs on countries that supply oil to Cuba. Venezuela’s foreign ministry said the move punished nations that maintain “legitimate trade relations” with Havana and expressed solidarity with the Cuban people. It urged the international community to act against what it described as aggressive measures.In Cuba, the impact was quickly visible. Residents queued for fuel in Havana after the order was announced, with the government accusing Washington of trying to suffocate an already struggling economy. Cuba is facing severe shortages of fuel, food and medicines, along with long power cuts.Cuba has relied heavily on Venezuelan oil in recent years, but supplies have dropped following the removal of Venezuela’s president in a US military operation earlier this month.