Cuba Looks Again to the Abyss as Russian Oil from Tanker Evading US Blockade Runs Out
The brief relief in Cuba from Russian crude oil that evaded the US blockade is coming to an end. And, with no further shipments in sight, the island is once again facing the abyss of endless blackouts that paralyze life and the economy. EFE The respite that the ship Anatoli Kolodkin brought to the country when it docked on March 31 in the port of Matanzas (west) with 100,000 tons of crude oil lasted less than a month. But it has been a few days of some relief for millions of Cubans exhausted by the energy crisis.
TL;DR
- Cuba's temporary relief from Russian crude oil is ending, with no further shipments immediately visible.
- The energy crisis is expected to worsen, potentially leading to more widespread and longer blackouts.
- While the Cuban government attributes the crisis to US sanctions, the article highlights systemic issues like aging power plants and a lack of fuel imports.
- The lack of diesel and fuel oil prevents the operation of major power generators, which account for 40% of electricity production.
- Seven thermoelectric plants, responsible for another 40% of production, suffer from frequent breakdowns due to decades of underinvestment, not recent US decisions.
- Cuba needs to import the equivalent of eight oil tankers like the Anatoli Kolodkin monthly to meet its energy needs.
- A potential second Russian shipment on the Universal tanker is delayed, possibly arriving in late May.
- Venezuela, previously a key supplier, is no longer providing oil to Cuba.
- Economic projections for Cuba are negative, with significant GDP contractions expected for the year.