Russian ship arrives in Cuba with over 90,000 tons of oil to help alleviate energy crisis
A Russian ship has arrived in Cuba with more than 90,000 tons of oil, confirmed the island’s government. The Ministry of Energy and Mines announced the news through its social media channels, stating that the fuel is currently being unloaded at the Matanzas Supertanker Base.
This shipment comes in the wake of protests that erupted in Cuba two weeks ago, from March 17 to 18. The arrival of the Russian ship is part of efforts to address the energy situation on the island, which has been experiencing widespread blackouts that have been a driving force behind the recent demonstrations.
Prior to this latest shipment, reports indicated that a Russian cargo ship had departed with 650,000 barrels of crude oil, valued at nearly $50 million. This marked the first delivery of crude oil from Moscow to Havana in over a year.
Cuba’s energy crisis has been escalating over the past three years, with an electrical system heavily reliant on fossil fuels and plagued by the aging of its generation plants. Many of these plants have been in operation for more than four decades, operating well beyond their intended lifespan.
In light of the challenges with its previous main oil supplier, Venezuela, the Cuban government has been exploring partnerships with other countries such as Mexico and Russia to secure its energy needs.