Russia seeking ways to support Cuba regarding fuel crisis; issue being worked on by intergovernmental commission - deputy PM

MOSCOW. Feb 25 (Interfax) - The Russian government is discussing ways to support Cuba in overcoming the fuel crisis, and the two sides are working on the issue through the intergovernmental commission, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak told journalists following the Russian government's report in the State Duma.

"There are such proposals [to support Cuba regarding the fuel crisis]; they are currently being discussed within the government. The intergovernmental commission on trade and economic cooperation between Russia and Cuba is dealing with this," Novak said.

On February 6, the Cuban authorities warned airlines about the suspension of aviation fuel supplies for one month due to the energy crisis caused by the U.S. attack on Venezuela. Aircraft operating long-haul flights from Cuba need to make a stop after taking off from the island to refuel at other airports in the Caribbean.

The Cuban government has announced emergency measures to resolve the energy crisis on the island, including a four-day work week for state enterprises and restrictions on fuel sales. Cost-cutting measures include the cancellation of some interprovincial bus and train routes, as well as the closure of some tourist facilities.