The Cuban government conceded on Thursday that it is experiencing challenges with its oil supply from Venezuela. Despite recently discovering a "new formula" to persuade Maduro to resume fuel shipments to Cuba, the levels of importation will not be restored to their previous state. This acknowledgment came from Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy during the 'From the Presidency' podcast, recorded with President Miguel Díaz-Canel and Alfredo López Valdés, the General Director of the Cuban Electric Union.
According to De la O Levy, Venezuela has been a major provider of oil to Cuba, but the supply was halted due to what the minister described as "attacks," "boycotts," and "internal issues" in Venezuela. These disruptions coincided with protests during and after Maduro's self-declaration as president without publicizing electoral results, which, once leaked, indicated opposition candidate Edmundo González's victory. González was recognized as Venezuela's president-elect by 15 countries and several international organizations. This situation led to U.S. sanctions against high-ranking Venezuelan officials and a 25% tariff imposed by Trump on countries purchasing Venezuelan oil and gas.
Although the Energy Minister did not specify the current status of oil shipments from Venezuela, he clarified that they have collectively developed a "formula" that does not reach previous delivery levels due to Venezuela's own reductions. However, this will be evident in the "investment process." At Díaz-Canel's suggestion, the specifics of this new export method were not disclosed to avoid further sanctions that could jeopardize the operation.
It should be noted that in March, Reuters reported a significant increase in crude and fuel shipments from Venezuela to Cuba in February 2025, with Cuba receiving approximately 42,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude and fuel from its political ally. In November 2024, Venezuela boosted its oil exports to Cuba to 38,000 bpd, up from 28,000 bpd the previous month, as tracked by vessel data reported by Reuters. This increase was perceived as an effort to strengthen their energy alliance.
12 million tons of oil
De la O Levy mentioned in Díaz-Canel's podcast that during prosperous years, Cuba imported up to 12 million tons of fuel, although the average is around 8 million tons, with five million being imports and three million from domestic production. These last three million tons are currently lacking, and the country relies on "imported crude."
Díaz-Canel has blamed the current power supply issues on what he calls "financial and energy persecution." This was illustrated by a ship carrying liquefied gas that remained docked at the Santiago de Cuba port from February to May, unable to unload because payment had not been completed. The minister stated that it took "dozens of days" to make the payment once the funds were available.
The government aims to assure Cubans that it is "working" to "improve the current situation" of frequent blackouts. The communists have devised two scenarios: one with fuel (including the anticipated Venezuelan supply) and another without fuel. The mere consideration of the second scenario casts doubt on Maduro's deliveries.
Meanwhile, the recent decision by the U.S. Government to revoke Chevron's license to operate in Venezuela poses an economic setback for Maduro's regime. However, experts have warned that this measure could indirectly benefit Cuba.
The persistent blackouts affecting Cubans have multiple causes, according to the Energy Minister. One reason is that in the first five months of this year, Cuba went 2.5 months without receiving "any diesel" and 1.4 months without fuel. Without gas, those unable to afford 10,000 pesos for a gas cylinder resort to cooking with electricity, which the regime claims has increased electricity demand in a country that has lost 2 million inhabitants.
Other contributing factors include 14 state agencies failing to meet consumption targets and Havana province exceeding its limits. The regime blames the capital's high non-state sector consumption, noting that other provinces "are adjusting" their usage.
Key Issues in Cuban-Venezuelan Oil Trade
What has caused the disruption in Venezuela's oil shipments to Cuba?
Venezuela's oil shipments to Cuba were disrupted due to alleged "attacks," "boycotts," and "internal issues" within Venezuela, exacerbated by protests and political instability following Maduro's contested re-election.
How has the Cuban government responded to the oil supply challenges?
The Cuban government claims to have found a "formula" to partially restore oil shipments from Venezuela, though not to previous levels, and is working on improving the energy situation amidst frequent blackouts.
What impact has the U.S. had on Cuban-Venezuelan oil trade?
The U.S. imposed sanctions on Venezuelan officials and a 25% tariff on countries buying Venezuelan oil, contributing to the disruption of oil supplies to Cuba. The recent U.S. decision to suspend Chevron's license in Venezuela could indirectly benefit Cuba.