The Cuban regime has declared that it reached a milestone of extracting one million tons of crude oil in 2025, despite the nation grappling with a severe fuel crisis that has left millions suffering from prolonged blackouts and a lack of transportation. The state-run Union Cuba-Petroleum (CUPET) announced on social media that they achieved this extraction milestone, praising the efforts of their workers.
According to CUPET, 90% of this production is allocated to electricity generation as part of the government's strategy to achieve "energy independence." However, this amount falls short of meeting Cuba's energy demands, as a significant portion of the island's oil production is exported.
Oil extraction in Cuba, spearheaded by foreign companies like Melbana Energy, aims to boost national production for export purposes. Yet, the energy crisis persists due to resource scarcity and reliance on imports. Last month, the Cuban state media highlighted advancements in oil exploration conducted by the Australian company Melbana Energy, but neglected to mention that the oil from these wells is intended for export.
Melbana Energy, which has operated on the island since 2015 under a risk exploration contract, has focused its activities in the Martí municipality, Matanzas province. A report released on May 14 revealed that Melbana Energy plans to export crude from the Alameda-2 well by the end of June, marking its first international shipment from Cuba. The report noted that over 15,000 barrels of high-quality crude oil—lighter than the typical oil found in Cuba—have been stored, and the necessary approvals for export have been obtained.
While state media tout this development as a step toward Cuba's energy self-sufficiency, the fact that the higher-quality crude is being exported has been conspicuously omitted from official communications. This omission is particularly noteworthy given the country's energy context, which is marked by frequent blackouts and a heavy reliance on imported oil, primarily from nations like Russia and Venezuela.
Understanding Cuba's Oil Production and Energy Challenges
How much oil did Cuba claim to extract in 2025?
Cuba claimed to have extracted one million tons of crude oil in 2025.
What percentage of Cuba's oil production is used for electricity generation?
According to reports, 90% of Cuba's oil production is used for electricity generation.
Who is leading oil extraction efforts in Cuba?
Oil extraction efforts in Cuba are led by foreign companies, including the Australian firm Melbana Energy.
What is the focus of Melbana Energy's operations in Cuba?
Melbana Energy has focused its operations in the Martí municipality of Matanzas province, aiming to increase oil production for export.