The tanker PVT Clara, arriving from Russia, is set to dock in Havana Bay this Wednesday, at a time when Cuba is grappling with daily blackouts lasting between 12 and 20 hours. This vessel, which departed from the port of Svetly in Kaliningrad on September 14, has been used by Moscow to transport fuel, defying Western sanctions imposed following the invasion of Ukraine.
According to satellite tracking platforms, the PVT Clara, flying the Panamanian flag, will reach the Caribbean nation on October 2 at 9:00 PM. However, with a cargo capacity of just 20,831 tons, it does not appear to offer substantial relief to the island's critical fuel supply situation.
Insufficient Fuel Supplies
Energy and Mines Minister Vicente de la O Levy has indicated that Cuba needs about 3,000 tons of hydrocarbons daily, meaning the tanker's load would only last for a week. "We need two or three ships per week" to meet the demands for diesel, gasoline, and other essential products, the official stated.
The situation on the island is dire, with public discontent growing. The state-run Union Electrica has predicted a peak-hour deficit of up to 1,180 MW, affecting nearly 40% of the national consumption. The fuel shortage has forced 47 power generation plants out of operation.
Worsening Situation
The scenario is further complicated by the lack of fuel supplies from Russia, Mexico, and Venezuela, which have been Cuba's main allies in recent years. Jorge Piñón, director of the Latin America and Caribbean Energy Program at the University of Texas, noted that Cuba has received only a trickle of oil shipments in recent weeks, insufficient to cover its deficit.
Meanwhile, during the inauguration of the Third International Renewable Energy Fair, the Minister of Energy and Mines expressed optimism, stating that the fuel "is in Cuban ports" but has not yet been unloaded. This has led to mounting frustration among the population, who continue to endure the prolonged blackouts.
Russian Support Amid Crisis
Recently, Russia committed to assisting its long-time ally, the Cuban regime, with the supply of hydrocarbons, wheat, and fertilizers. Moscow views Havana as a "key partner and reliable ally in the Latin American and Caribbean region." During a bilateral meeting in Moscow between Russian and Cuban representatives, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitri Chernyshenko announced that a new loan has been granted to Havana to ensure a stable supply of oil, petroleum products, wheat, and fertilizers—crucial elements for Cuba's ailing economy.