The United States embassy in Cuba has warned American citizens in the country to exercise caution amid a rise in government-backed protests directed at Washington and reports of US nationals being denied entry upon arrival.

In an advisory issued on Tuesday, the embassy also urged Americans to prepare for severe disruptions caused by worsening power outages and fuel shortages across the island.

Power Grid Instability and Fuel Shortages Deepen

The embassy said Cuba’s national electricity grid has become increasingly unreliable, with prolonged blackouts now a daily occurrence in many areas. It advised US citizens to conserve fuel, food, water and mobile phone charge as shortages intensify.

The warning follows recent moves by Washington to block oil shipments to Cuba, including supplies from long-time ally Venezuela. The restrictions have driven up food and transport costs while worsening fuel scarcity nationwide.

Spike in Anti-US Protests Reported

According to the embassy, there has been a noticeable increase in protests organised or supported by the Cuban government that include anti-US messaging and rhetoric.

“US citizens in Cuba or planning to travel to Cuba are advised that there have been incidents of US citizens being denied entry upon arrival,” the advisory said, adding that protest activity targeting the United States has intensified.

Rising Tensions Between Washington and Havana

The advisory comes amid heightened tensions following a US military operation last month in which Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro was seized in a deadly raid ordered by President Donald Trump.

The operation drew criticism from the United Nations human rights office, which said it violated international law. Rights experts also warned that Washington’s focus on Venezuelan oil risked reviving imperial-style pressure tactics in the region.

Trump Signals Harder Line on Cuba

Trump has since suggested that Cuba is nearing economic collapse, saying the island’s situation has worsened after Venezuela stopped sending oil and financial assistance. He has also threatened to impose tariffs on goods from countries that continue supplying oil to Cuba.

Despite the tensions, Cuba’s deputy foreign minister said this week that communication channels between Havana and Washington remain open, though he stressed that the exchanges have yet to develop into formal diplomatic dialogue.

with inputs from Reuters