A report in the pro-government newspaper Izvestia, published Thursday, shows that Russia is likely to supply oil to Cuba as what is being described as a humanitarian mission. The step is taken when Cuba is struggling with one of the most devastating energy crises in the recent history with acute fuel shortages and extensive disruption.
The l’zm has been much credited to lessened export of Venezuelan oil which is traditionally a major source of energy in the island. Venezuelan shipments have also been restricted allegedly because of tightening U.S. sanctions, which have already cause strain on the already damaged energy infrastructure in Cuba. This has had the effect of reducing the fuel reserves in the country which has been subjected to strict rationing measures and emergency responses.
Russian Embassy in Havana informed Izvestia that Moscow will be supplying oil and petroleum products to Cuba soon as humanitarian aid. Although the amount and schedule of shipments are not announced, the planned delivery is an indication that Russia is going to continue to support the Caribbean country which was a long-term strategic and political partner of Moscow.
This was criticized by the Kremlin on Monday this week where Washington was accused by the Kremlin of trying to suffocate Cuba by applying economic pressure. More than 60 years under a total U.S. trade embargo have also affected the Cuban economy according to Cuban officials, who claim that economic development and access to basic commodities, such as fuel, have been significantly deterred.
The lack of energy has already directly affected the transport sector and the tourism industry in Cuba. The government has been reported to ban the refueling of airlines in the island, which made a number of foreign airlines cancel or cut flights. Governments such as that of Russia have cautioned their citizens to re-think their traveling plans to Cuba until the situation is stable.
The federal aviation regulator of Russia, Rosaviatsia, said that the Russians had fuel supply problems that compelled Rossiya airlines and Nordwind Airlines to re-arrange their schedules. Rossiya Airlines will also have a few return flights of Havana and Varadero to Moscow in order to evacuate Russian tourists.
The Association of Tour Operators in Russia states that there are still about 5,000 Russian tourists who could be left in Cuba, which highlights the extent to which the crisis has affected international traveling and bilateral relations.