Cuba's energy reserves from the sole oil shipment received in over four months were depleted by the end of April, as acknowledged by the government itself. This leaves the nation on the brink of a fresh energy crisis with no confirmed oil shipments expected in May.
On April 22, Vicente de la O Levy, the Minister of Energy and Mines, confessed on the state television program "Mesa Redonda" that the Russian oil shipment would only last until the end of the month, highlighting the regime's severe energy dependency.
A temporary relief came on March 31, when the Russian tanker Anatoly Kolodkin docked at the Matanzas port carrying 730,000 barrels (100,000 tons) of crude oil. Donated by Russia as "humanitarian aid," this shipment managed to activate about 1,200 MW of electrical power generation starting April 17. However, this relief was short-lived, lasting only a few weeks.
De la O Levy openly admitted that Cuba requires eight fuel shipments a month to meet its energy demands, but only one has been received in the past four months.
Origins of the Current Energy Crisis
The crisis began on January 9, 2026, when regular oil imports to Cuba ceased. Following the capture of Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela halted its shipments, which accounted for 30% of Cuba's needs or roughly 32,000-35,000 barrels daily. Concurrently, Mexico's Pemex cut off exports due to debts exceeding $1.5 billion.
The only shipment received in January comprised 84,900 barrels delivered by the Ocean Mariner, while Cuba's reserves dwindled to a mere 360,000 barrels, equating to just four or five days of consumption, according to consultancy Kpler.
Production and Consumption Discrepancy
Cuba's domestic oil production is approximately 40,000 barrels per day, while national demand ranges from 90,000 to 110,000 barrels daily. This results in a structural deficit of 60,000 barrels per day that cannot be covered by domestic production.
The island consumes around 20,000 barrels of diesel daily, leading to a potential halt in transportation, agriculture, and electricity generation without new deliveries. The minister admitted that Cuba was distributing 800 tons of fuel oil daily, just half of the required 1,600 tons, operating at 50% capacity.
Potential Future Shipments Jeopardized
A second Russian tanker, the Sea Horse Universal, carrying about 200,000 barrels of diesel destined for Cuba, diverted its course to Trinidad and Tobago. This redirection followed the issuance of the U.S. Treasury Department's General License 134B on April 16, which authorizes transactions of already-loaded Russian oil only until May 16, 2026. As of this report, there is no confirmation of its arrival in Cuba.
In April, Cuba's electricity generation deficit surpassed 1,400 MW, resulting in power outages lasting up to 30-40 consecutive hours affecting the entire population. The national electrical system has been deteriorating for years due to a lack of maintenance and investment, exacerbating the impact of each fuel supply interruption.
On April 2, Russian Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilyov announced preparations for a second shipment to Cuba, though no specific arrival date was given. With the Kolodkin reserves depleted and General License 134B expiring on May 16, the window for new Russian fuel to arrive without additional complications is rapidly closing.
Cuba's Energy Crisis and Oil Dependency
What is causing Cuba's current energy crisis?
Cuba's energy crisis is primarily due to the cessation of regular oil imports since January 2026. Venezuela's suspension of shipments and Mexico's Pemex halting exports due to significant debts have contributed to the crisis.
How much oil does Cuba need monthly to meet its energy requirements?
Cuba requires approximately eight fuel shipments per month to satisfy its energy needs, but it has only received one shipment in the past four months.
What impact does the oil deficit have on Cuba's daily operations?
The oil shortage threatens to halt transportation, agriculture, and electricity generation in Cuba. The country is currently operating at 50% capacity, significantly impacting daily life and the economy.