Cubans felt a wave of relief on Tuesday as a Russian oil tanker carrying 730,000 barrels docked at the port of Matanzas, marking the first delivery of crude to the island in three months.
The US administration under Donald Trump allowed the Anatoly Kolodkin to complete its voyage despite the ongoing energy blockade, and Cuban officials, including Energy and Mines Minister Vicente de la O Levy, celebrated the tanker’s arrival.
Cuba has faced severe petroleum shortages that have worsened an already deep economic crisis, resulting in long power outages and critical scarcities of food and medicine. The island produces only about 40% of its fuel requirements and relies heavily on imports to maintain its energy supply.
Experts project that the shipment could produce roughly 180,000 barrels of diesel, enough to meet the nation’s daily consumption for nine to ten days.
Residents like Matanzas local Camilo Galves watched the ship arrive and described it as a moment of relief and joy during ongoing hardships, emphasizing that international support remains vital.
Historically, Venezuela supplied the bulk of Cuba’s oil, but shipments ceased after US actions against the South American country and the detention of its leader in early January. Mexico also stopped sending fuel under the threat of US tariffs.
President Trump stated on Sunday night that he had “no problem” with the Russian tanker delivering oil to Cuba, signaling a temporary easing of restrictions.
Yania Beatriz Martínez highlighted that contributions from different parts of the world were helping to ease the situation, offering a glimmer of hope amid the island’s struggles.