A ship reportedly transporting Russian fuels is en route to Cuba, presenting a challenge to US sanctions as the island faces a worsening energy crisis. The vessel, Sea Horse, is set to arrive in early March with essential fuel supplies, as Cuba grapples with severe shortages affecting cooking, transportation, and electricity generation. The country’s available electricity has significantly declined, with satellite images indicating a nighttime light reduction of up to 50% since the year’s start.
Since late last year, pressure on Havana has intensified following US actions against a tanker carrying Venezuelan crude. After the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, the Trump administration prohibited the interim government from supplying Cuba with oil, even threatening tariffs on nations that offer fuel to the island. Consequently, Mexico, a key provider, ceased shipments, compounding Cuba’s energy crisis.
The Sea Horse is believed to be carrying approximately 200,000 barrels of Russian gasoil, primarily used for diesel and power generation. It’s uncertain if the vessel will manage to evade US enforcement, which has already intercepted multiple ships involved in illicit oil transport amidst Russia’s increased international sanctions due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Cuba heavily relies on fuel imports, as domestic oil production is minimal. Recently, the tanker Ocean Mariner, often used for fuel deliveries to Cuba, diverted to the Bahamas instead of its intended destination. Notably, January marked the first month in a decade that Cuba received no oil. While some supplies from December are still available, analysts predict the island could run out of fuels by late March.
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