On March 2, 2026, the Cuban tanker 'Eugenia Gas' successfully obtained authorization to load liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) at Puerto José, Venezuela. This marks the first successful loading operation for a Cuban vessel of this nature since late 2025. Verified through AIS tracking and corroborated by energy expert Jorge Piñón, the tanker had spent "two months wandering the Caribbean" before finally getting the green light, according to reports from 14ymedio.
Flying the Belize flag and part of Cuba's coastal fleet, the 'Eugenia Gas' spent nearly two months navigating the Caribbean in search of LPG supplies, facing multiple failures. Among these was a rejection at Kingston, Jamaica, just three weeks prior, and another setback in Curaçao.
Jamaica's refusal was linked to fears of U.S. trade retaliation, following President Trump's executive order on January 29-30, 2026, which imposed sanctions on entities supplying fuel to Cuba. This wasn't an isolated incident; the 'Emilia' tanker also returned empty to Cuba in February 2026 after Jamaican authorities turned it away. Analyst Piñón noted that "Jamaica narrowly avoided U.S. tariffs."
Uncertainty surrounds the supplier of the LPG for the 'Eugenia Gas'. The fuel could have been provided directly by Pdvsa, or by commodity trading firms Vitol or Trafigura, both of which received specific licenses from the U.S. Treasury Department's OFAC in January 2026 to resell Venezuelan crude to the United States and several European nations.
The shipment carries significant political weight as it would be the first fuel delivery from Venezuela to Cuba since the capture of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. special forces on January 3, 2026, in an operation called "Absolute Determination." Maduro, who has declared himself a "prisoner of war" and the "constitutional president," is facing drug trafficking and narco-terrorism charges in a New York federal court.
This operation takes place amid a severe energy crisis in Cuba. The nation requires about 110,000 barrels of fuel daily but only produces around 40,000 domestically. Historically, Venezuela supplied 50,000 barrels per day via Pdvsa, but since 2024, this has dwindled to between 10,000 and 30,000 barrels daily, exacerbating Cuba's structural deficit.
The LPG shortage directly impacts the Cuban populace. Over 100,000 households in the province of Matanzas have been without regular supplies since January 2025, forcing families to rely on wood or charcoal for cooking. Electrically, Cuba is experiencing a 2,000-megawatt shortfall affecting 64% of the nation.
Adding to the energy supply landscape, two other tankers are contributing to Cuba's fuel supply in recent weeks. The 'Jasper', carrying the flags of Cameroon and Vanuatu and sanctioned by the European Union, arrived on December 23, 2025, with 330,000 barrels of Russian crude to Matanzas and Santiago de Cuba without U.S. interference. Meanwhile, the 'Sea Horse', under the Hong Kong flag, was spotted 1,463 nautical miles from Cuba's northern coast, moving at a minimal speed of 0.8 knots and allegedly carrying 200,000 barrels of Russian fuel, although Moscow has denied this claim.
President Trump's decree from January 2026 has played a crucial role in the failure of numerous Caribbean supply efforts, forcing the Cuban regime to rely heavily on Venezuela and Russia, both facing their own logistical and political hurdles. If the 'Eugenia Gas' completes its mission and reaches Cuba without issues, it would provide temporary relief but remain insufficient amidst an unsolved energy crisis.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis and International Dynamics
Why has Jamaica been rejecting fuel operations involving Cuba?
Jamaica has turned away fuel operations with Cuba due to concerns over U.S. trade repercussions, following an executive order by President Trump imposing sanctions on those supplying fuel to Cuba.
What is the political significance of the 'Eugenia Gas' shipment?
The shipment is politically significant as it represents the first fuel supply from Venezuela to Cuba since Nicolás Maduro's capture by U.S. forces, highlighting ongoing geopolitical tensions and the impact of U.S. sanctions.
How severe is the energy crisis in Cuba?
Cuba is facing a critical energy crisis, needing 110,000 barrels of fuel daily but only producing 40,000 domestically, with significant power shortages affecting over 60% of the island.