Two Russian oil tankers provide temporary relief for Cuba's energy emergency

As the energy blockade in the United States leads to an unprecedented power crisis in Cuba, Cuba is about to receive two shipments of crude oil and diesel from Russia.

Russia considers Cuba to be one of the few “friendly countries.” This transportation could test the United States’ resolve to continue blocking energy shipments to the island. If the tankers heading to Cuba arrive in the coming days, this will be the first batch of Russian oil and fuel to reach the country this year.

Jorge Pinón, an expert from the University of Texas Energy Institute, told the media that the tanker “Anatoly Kolodkin,” which is under sanctions from the U.S., EU, and UK, is flying the Russian flag as it crosses the Atlantic, and is expected to arrive in Cuba in about 10 days.

It is estimated that the “Anatoly Kolodkin” is carrying approximately 730,000 barrels of crude oil, which needs to be processed into fuel to help alleviate Cuba’s power crisis. Earlier this week, the crisis peaked, leading to a nationwide blackout lasting 29 hours.

Pinón stated that the crude oil on the “Anatoly Kolodkin” can be processed into about 180,000 barrels of diesel, enough to provide Cuba with approximately 10 days of electricity.

Pinón informed the media that a second tanker carrying Russian diesel, named “Seahorse,” is flying the Hong Kong flag and is about 958 nautical miles away from Matanzas, Cuba. If this shipment ultimately reaches Cuba, it can also be used to alleviate supply shortages in critical sectors such as agriculture.

Last month, Russia announced plans to transport oil and petroleum products to Cuba soon as part of humanitarian aid.

With the U.S. currently controlling Venezuelan oil sales and prohibiting shipments to Cuba, Cuba’s deteriorating economic and humanitarian situation is further exacerbated.