Trending Now - Cuba Prepares for Russian Oil Shipment Amid Energy Crisis
WHO:
President Trump threatened to impose tariffs on any country that sells or supplies oil to Cuba.
Gen. Francis Donovan, head of the U.S. Southern Command, provided testimony in the Senate regarding military operations related to Cuba.
Jorge Piñón, an expert at the University of Texas Energy Institute, commented on the oil shipments to Cuba.
WHAT:
Cuba is preparing to receive its first shipment of Russian oil in 2026.
The Russian-flagged tanker Anatoly Kolodkin is carrying 730,000 barrels of fuel.
The Sea Horse, another vessel, is reportedly carrying approximately 200,000 barrels of diesel.
Cuba consumes roughly 20,000 barrels of diesel per day.
The anticipated shipment from the Anatoly Kolodkin could produce about 180,000 barrels of diesel, enough for nine or ten days of Cuba's daily demand.
The previous shipment detected was transported by the Ocean Mariner with 85,000 barrels from the port of Pajaritos, Mexico, on January 9th, 2026.
Cuba produces only 40% of its petroleum; the rest is obtained from Russia, Mexico, and Venezuela.
The humanitarian flotilla to Cuba will consist of three ships, 30 tons of aid, and 40 people.
WHERE:
Cuba is the destination for the Russian oil shipments.
The tanker Anatoly Kolodkin is approximately 3,000 nautical miles from Cuba.
The Sea Horse is about 958 nautical miles from Matanzas, Cuba.
The previous oil shipment originated from the port of Pajaritos, Mexico.
WHEN:
The anticipated arrival of the Anatoly Kolodkin is expected in 10 days from the date of the article, which is March 20th, 2026.
The Ocean Mariner shipment occurred on January 9th, 2026.
The humanitarian aid is expected to arrive on March 21st and March 22nd, 2026.
WHY:
Cuba is facing severe power outages and an energy crisis, leading to reliance on natural gas, solar power, and thermoelectric plants.
The U.S. energy blockade has made it difficult for Cuba to receive oil shipments, contributing to the energy crisis.
The situation has led to 10-hour blackouts, reduced working hours, limited transportation, and a drop in tourism.
HOW:
The U.S. has imposed sanctions on vessels carrying Russian fuel, including the Anatoly Kolodkin and Sea Horse.
The humanitarian convoy is organized by activists and includes medical supplies and food aid.
(UPDATED March 20, 2026 19:19 UTC)
Today, President Trump threatened to impose tariffs on any country that sells or supplies oil to Cuba, as General Francis Donovan testified in the Senate about military operations related to the island. Cuba is preparing to receive its first shipment of Russian oil, with the tanker Anatoly Kolodkin carrying 730,000 barrels of fuel, while another vessel, the Sea Horse, is bringing approximately 200,000 barrels of diesel. Meanwhile, a humanitarian flotilla is on its way to Cuba, expected to arrive on March 21st and 22nd, carrying 30 tons of aid to help alleviate the severe energy crisis that has led to extensive blackouts across the country.