US Lets Russian Oil Tanker Head to Cuba Amid Fuel Crisis
The US Coast Guard has allowed a Russian tanker carrying crude oil to proceed towards Cuba, potentially easing the island’s worsening fuel crisis, according to a US official cited by The New York Times.
It is stated that the tanker, which is reported to belong to the Russian government, carries approximately 730,000 barrels of crude oil. Ship tracking data showed that the ship was just a few miles from Cuban territorial waters on Sunday evening and was expected to arrive in the port of Matanzas on Monday night.
The shipment could provide temporary relief to Cuba, which is struggling with dwindling fuel reserves amid ongoing supply shortages.
This development took place despite measures taken by US President Donald Trump’s administration that have effectively restricted oil shipments to Cuba since January. These policies included warnings to countries supplying fuel to the island and, in one example, intervention to divert a tanker.
Although US ships were stationed in the region, the Coast Guard did not intervene with the Russian tanker. A US official said no instructions had been issued to block the shipment and allow it to proceed.
The reason for the decision remains unclear and there is no official confirmation on whether similar shipments will be allowed in the future.
Earlier, on March 19, the United States issued a new 30-day general license, valid until April 11, allowing the sale of crude oil and oil products originating from Russia. However, this license expressly excludes transactions involving North Korea, Cuba and Crimea.
The tanker’s arrival is expected to provide short-term economic relief to Cuba, which continues to face fuel shortages and broader economic challenges.
