Cuba cancels workers’ day parade as severe oil shortages bite

President says island is only receiving two-thirds of the petrol it needs as queues outside gas stations stretch miles

There was a time when International Workers' Day was marked in Cuba by parades involving millions of people marching through Havana's Revolution Square. Many came out of conviction, some because they were pressured, others to enjoy the party.

This Monday, however, the square will be empty, after the Cuban Communist party cancelled this year's celebrations due to gasoline shortages that are crippling the island's economy.