A Russian-flagged tanker carrying approximately 730,000 barrels of crude oil has docked at the port of Matanzas, Cuba. This marks the first significant oil delivery to the island in three months, following a period of severe shortages.
The delivery comes after Cuba experienced a blockade of fuel supplies, initially stemming from halted shipments from Venezuela and further impacted by restrictions from the previous US administration. This has exacerbated the country’s existing economic crisis, as Cuba relies on imports to maintain its energy grid.
The tanker, sanctioned by the US, EU, and UK, is expected to provide enough fuel to meet Cuba’s energy needs for up to ten days. A Russian foreign ministry spokesperson has called for the US to lift its energy blockade on the island nation.