New Delhi, Feb. 24 -- Canada on Monday declared that it is developing a support initiative for Cuba as the nation grapples with power outages and acute fuel deficits exacerbated by an American petroleum blockade.

The nation is rapidly exhausting its oil reserves, triggering a desperate social and financial emergency for the 11 million inhabitants of the island.

Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand refrained from offering specific particulars at this time.

"We are preparing a plan to assist. We are not prepared at this point to provide any details of the announcement," Anand said.

Cuba is navigating a progressively catastrophic energy situation that has intensified lately after petroleum exports from Venezuela, its primary provider, s...