Russian tanker will arrive in Cuba to alleviate the crisis generated by the US blockade
In a temporary respite for the island after the signing of an executive order on January 29, which threatened tariffs on countries sending oil to Cuba, the US Coast Guard allowed a Russian tanker to arrive in the city of Matanzas, in the west-central part of the country.
TL;DR
- A Russian oil tanker, the Anatoly Kolodkin, is en route to Matanzas, Cuba, carrying 730,000 barrels of crude oil.
- The shipment is expected to provide approximately 250,000 barrels of diesel fuel, enough to cover Cuba's demand for 12.5 days.
- The arrival occurs despite US sanctions and a recent executive order threatening tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba.
- President Trump stated he has no objection to the oil reaching Cuba, acknowledging their need for survival.
- Cuba's domestic oil production of 40,000 barrels per day is insufficient and primarily used for thermoelectric plants, leading to frequent blackouts.
- Mexico, through Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex), is in talks with companies to potentially supply fuel to Cuba.