A tanker reportedly carrying Russian oil to Cuba has been rerouted and is now adrift in the North Atlantic. As Bloomberg highlights, this development could exacerbate the fuel shortages in Cuba, where the scarcity affects everything from transportation to electricity generation, causing widespread blackouts.
The vessel, identified as the Sea Horse, halted its journey on Wednesday and is now aimlessly drifting in the ocean, according to maritime tracking data referenced in the report.
According to Kpler Ltd.'s navigational analysis, the Sea Horse is likely transporting about 200,000 barrels of Russian diesel. An analyst from this firm had previously pinpointed the cargo after a ship-to-ship transfer off the coast of Cyprus.
This change of course comes at a time when Cuba is grappling with a severe fuel shortage, impacting domestic supply and essential services.
Energy availability on the island has reportedly plummeted since the beginning of the year, with satellite images indicating a reduction of up to 50% in night-time light levels.
This incident unfolds amid U.S. measures aimed at limiting Cuba's access to imported energy, including the previous seizure of a ship bound for the island and actions that have deterred tankers from approaching.
Impact of U.S. Restrictions on Cuba's Energy Crisis
The Sea Horse was about to "test" these U.S. control measures designed to cut Cuba off from imported fuel.
This shipment would have been the first since February 2025, when Moscow sent 100,000 tons of oil to the island through a state loan of $60 million.
Earlier this month, the Ocean Mariner, carrying approximately 30,000 barrels of Colombian diesel, diverted from Cuba and reportedly offloaded in the Bahamas, according to shipping data.
U.S. coercive measures have reportedly led to the seizure of at least 10 vessels accused of transporting sanctioned oil.
Alongside this pressure, the U.S. has relaxed some restrictions, allowing fuel shipments to Cuba's private sector as part of a strategy to make the island more reliant on U.S. supplies. Washington has also indicated a willingness to grant specific licenses for companies interested in supplying Venezuelan oil to Cuba.
Russian Government's Response to the Oil Blockade
Last Wednesday, the Russian government urged Washington to exercise "common sense" and end the oil blockade that worsens Cuba's already dire energy crisis.
From Moscow, Foreign Minister Serguei Lavrov deemed any attempt to enforce a naval embargo on the island "unacceptable" and categorically rejected U.S. accusations that Russian-Cuban cooperation poses a threat to the United States.
The statements were made during the official visit to Russia by Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, at a time when Cuba is facing prolonged blackouts and a severe fuel shortage, worsened by restrictions on crude imports.
During the bilateral meeting, Lavrov stated that, "along with the majority of the international community," Russia calls on the United States to "show common sense, take a responsible approach, and abandon plans for a naval blockade."
Lavrov stressed that Russia will continue to consistently support the island in protecting its "sovereignty and security."
FAQs on Cuba's Fuel Crisis and U.S.-Russia Tensions
What is causing the fuel shortage in Cuba?
Cuba's fuel shortage is primarily due to U.S. restrictions aimed at limiting the island's access to imported energy. These measures have resulted in the seizure of vessels carrying sanctioned oil and have deterred other tankers from making deliveries.
How has the fuel crisis impacted Cuba?
The fuel crisis in Cuba has led to significant disruptions in transportation and electricity generation, resulting in widespread blackouts and affecting essential services across the island.
How is Russia responding to the U.S. oil blockade on Cuba?
Russia has condemned the U.S. oil blockade on Cuba, urging Washington to show common sense and abandon plans for a naval blockade. Russia has also pledged continued support for Cuba's sovereignty and security.