Cuban Deputy Prime Minister Oscar Pérez-Oliva affirmed Friday evening that the government will guarantee essential social services and prioritize agricultural production to confront the increased hostility from the United States.

As he commented on the Cuban television program “Mesa Redonda,”these will be the most important strategic actions in the context imposed by US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose tariffs on nations or companies that send oil to the island.

Pérez-Oliva considered Trump’s decree an attempt to impede fuel supplies to the island and increase the scope of the economic, commercial, and financial blockade officially imposed since 1962 by successive US administrations.

During his appearance, he also condemned the imposition of sanctions on Venezuela, Cuba’s main energy partner, which creates “additional problems by hindering and increasing the cost of fuel supplies from that country.”

The available fuel is and will be used to protect essential services for the population and indispensable economic activities, he asserted, explaining that electricity generation is sustained by domestic production of crude oil, associated gas, and renewable sources.

He noted that the water supply to the population, basic health services, and efforts to generate foreign exchange are being protected; and furthermore, “activities prepared for defense and internal order are being ensured.”

On another note, he affirmed that the government’s first decision is to continue the program of installing photovoltaic solar parks, as part of the investments to achieve the sustainability of the electrical power system “without depending on fuel imports.”

He also mentioned a series of measures to overcome the national energy crisis, including the installation of photovoltaic systems in community centers and the sale of this equipment to teachers and healthcare workers.

The deputy prime minister also announced that “decisions will be made regarding fuel sales, since without sufficient fuel, we cannot maintain the same sales levels.”

This Friday’s “Mesa Redonda” discussion focused on the measures the government is taking to confront the increase in US aggression against Cuba. Along with Pérez-Oliva, the Ministers of Labor and Social Security, Transportation, Higher Education, and Education also appeared on the prime-time radio and TV program.