Alex Ritson

Since US forces removed its close ally, Nicolas Maduro, from power in Venezuela, Cuba has lost its most important source of crude oil.

And as Will Grant reports from Havana, the effects of the US blockade are having huge consequences.

With Washington in control of Venezuela's oil industry and President Trump threatening tariffs against any nation which sends Cuba fuel, Reyni Hernandez has to chop driftwood he found on the beach.

Gas hasn't been delivered in months to their huddle of flimsy homes in a Havana suburb, so the construction worker has no choice but to cook with firewood.

His daughter went to school with no breakfast this morning.

Every day is the same hunger, the same misery, says Brainy, stirring a pot of rice.

Hopefully I can get enough money together in the next couple of days for a packet of hot dogs or three or four eggs.

The situation has worsened since the US imposed a total fuel blockade on Cuba.

Yet Brainy doesn't direct his ire at Washington.

Quite the opposite, in fact.

I'd like Trump to take this place over.

Then let's see if things get better, he says with disarming honesty.

Brainies remains an extreme view.

Most don't want President Trump in charge.

But such is the level of exhaustion at the dire circumstances the public's fear of reprisals for speaking out is beginning to evaporate.

On the streets, the effects of Washington's actions are even clearer.

I'm at a crossroads in central Havana.

It's always been a run-down and difficult neighbourhood for its residents.

But now, every couple of corners, there is a huge, festering pile of uncollected rubbish.

Just discarded box after box and plastic bag after plastic bag.