Gerardo Hernández Nordelo, known for his past as one of the "Five Heroes" and now serving as the national coordinator of the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR), took to X this Thursday with a sarcastic suggestion. He proposed that if Washington sincerely wishes to support Cuba, it should send an oil tanker instead of the $100 million humanitarian aid package offered by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Accompanying an image of an oil tanker, Hernández quipped, "$100 million isn't enough for even two oil tankers, but if the Yankees really want to make a gesture, they could send one. (Just saying)."
The regime official's post highlights Cuba's severe energy crisis, stating, "When the Russian tanker arrived, we had several days with significantly fewer blackouts, so..." His words often come across as mockery towards the Cuban population, a reminder of his detachment from their hardships, as he enjoys the comforts unavailable to many.
The reference was to the Russian tanker, Anatoly Kolodkin, which arrived in Matanzas on March 31 with about 100,000 metric tons of crude oil—approximately 740,000 barrels. This was the first substantial shipment in over three months. The crude was processed in Cienfuegos and started distribution on April 17, providing a temporary reprieve from power outages.
Nonetheless, the Russian oil supply was short-lived. On Thursday, Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy acknowledged that Cuba lacks both fuel oil and diesel to generate electricity, with a power deficit exceeding 2,000 MW, affecting 61% of the island.
Hernández's tweet was a direct response to Rubio's announcement on May 7, when the U.S. State Department declared its plan to provide an additional $100 million in direct humanitarian assistance to the Cuban people, to be distributed in cooperation with the Catholic Church and other trustworthy humanitarian organizations.
The initial reaction from the Cuban government was dismissive, with Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla labeling the offer a "fable." However, on Thursday, the regime showed a willingness to consider the offer, stating they are "open to understanding the specifics of the offer and how it would be implemented."
Hernández's remarks are part of a broader pattern. On the same day, he reacted to a report about former President Trump's "frustrations" with Cuba, writing, "Always poorly advised on Cuba matters, they underestimate our people and then act surprised..." Earlier in the week, he had posted that "Trump has no idea what's happening in Cuba," maintaining a defiant stance as the country grapples with its most severe energy crisis in decades.
Cuba's energy minister has admitted that to sustain its electrical grid, the country requires eight tankers like the Anatoly Kolodkin monthly. Currently, Cuba produces only about 40,000 barrels per day, while demand ranges between 90,000 and 110,000 barrels.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
Why did Gerardo Hernández suggest an oil tanker from the U.S.?
Hernández's suggestion was a sarcastic remark intended to critique the U.S. offer of $100 million in humanitarian aid, implying that an oil tanker would be more beneficial to Cuba's dire energy needs.
What is the significance of the Russian oil tanker, Anatoly Kolodkin?
The Anatoly Kolodkin brought a substantial oil supply to Cuba, temporarily alleviating the country's energy crisis by reducing blackouts. Its arrival underscored Cuba's dependence on foreign oil shipments to meet energy demands.
How is Cuba addressing its energy shortages?
Cuba's energy strategy currently involves seeking additional oil imports, as domestic production falls short of the country's needs. The government is also engaging in discussions about potential aid and support.