The Cuban Oil Union, known as Cupet, has announced a projected increase in oil and gas production by 2025, reversing a longstanding decline. However, the company concedes that the anticipated production levels remain insufficient to meet the country's energy generation and essential needs.
According to a report from the Cuban News Channel, officials from the state-run enterprise revealed that domestic oil and gas production is expected to rise in 2025, marking a rebound after 13 years of consecutive decline since 2012.
Cupet aims to conclude the year with an output of 2.2 million tons of crude oil, exceeding both the planned target and the figures achieved in 2024 by approximately 80,000 tons.
The administration emphasized that nearly all domestically produced crude is allocated to power generation. Still, they acknowledged that it fails to meet the full demand, necessitating continued imports to support the electric grid and refining processes.
Industry experts indicate that Cuba would need to almost triple its current production to achieve energy independence.
On the natural gas front, Cupet reported an increase in output, bolstered by four new wells drilled over the past three years in Puerto Escondido and Canasí, located in the Santa Cruz del Norte municipality of Mayabeque province.
These wells contribute over one million cubic meters daily, potentially closing 2025 with a cumulative total of 1,130 million cubic meters— a milestone not achieved in nearly a decade.
Despite this, the report acknowledges that this growth only satisfies about one-third of the national demand.
The official narrative seeks to address a persistent public inquiry: why do power outages continue despite increased production? The straightforward and telling response is that the rise in output is still inadequate.
While over 55% of the nation's electricity is generated from domestic oil and gas, the current volumes are insufficient to stabilize the electrical system.
This announcement starkly contrasts with the daily reality of generation deficits, prolonged blackouts, and reliance on imported fuels.
Though Cupet attributes the crisis to the U.S. embargo, the island continues to receive oil from allies like Venezuela and Mexico. The company has also admitted to severe issues of corruption and fuel theft within its facilities.
The touted production increase, presented as a strategic achievement, does not change the fundamental situation: Cuba remains reliant on imports to sustain its deteriorating energy infrastructure, primarily utilizing heavy crude with a high sulfur content and low efficiency.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
Why can't Cuba's increased oil production solve its energy crisis?
Despite the rise in production, the volumes are still insufficient to meet the full demand for electricity and basic needs, necessitating continued fuel imports.
What steps has Cupet taken to boost natural gas production?
Cupet has increased natural gas output by drilling four new wells in Puerto Escondido and Canasí, contributing significantly to the national supply.