The Cuban state-run oil company, CUPET, announced on Saturday that it successfully completed the unloading of the Russian tanker, Anatoly Kolodkin, at the Matanzas port. The vessel delivered 100,000 metric tons of crude oil, which the Cuban regime described as "solidarity aid from Russia."
The Anatoly Kolodkin, a vessel registered in St. Petersburg and owned by the state-backed Russian shipping company Sovcomflot—sanctioned since 2024 by the United States, European Union, and United Kingdom—departed from Primorsk, Russia, on March 8. It arrived at the Matanzas Super Tanker Base on March 31, marking the first substantial oil delivery to Cuba in nearly three months.
Irenaldo Pérez Cardoso, deputy director of CUPET, stated that the unloading process took approximately 96 hours to complete.
Upcoming Refinement Plans
CUPET announced plans to begin refining the crude in the coming days to produce liquefied petroleum gas, gasoline, diesel, and fuel oil. The first refined products are expected to be distributed in the latter half of April.
However, the 100,000 tons of crude—equivalent to around 730,000 to 740,000 barrels—would only suffice to keep the National Electric System operational for seven to 14 days, leading many Cubans to sarcastically refer to the shipment as a "handout."
Energy Crisis Deepens
The shipment arrives amid Cuba's most severe energy crisis since January 2026, with power generation deficits exceeding 1,900 MW and blackouts lasting up to 24 hours.
The National Electric System completely collapsed twice: once on March 16 for 29 hours and 29 minutes, and again on March 22.
Geopolitical Tensions and Propaganda
The arrival of the Anatoly Kolodkin was fraught with geopolitical tensions. The U.S. Southern Command positioned Coast Guard cutters near Cuba as the vessel approached. Its entry required implicit authorization from the Trump administration on March 30, following negotiations where Havana provided fuel to the U.S. embassy in Cuba.
Despite this, both the Cuban regime and Moscow portrayed the event as a triumph. Cuban state television framed it as a breach of the embargo, omitting Washington's approval.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel expressed gratitude for the shipment on April 1, and Prime Minister Manuel Marrero hailed it as a victory over the United States the following day.
Meanwhile, Russia seized the opportunity for geopolitical propaganda. Dmitry Birichevsky, Director of the Economic Cooperation Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry, declared on Saturday that Russia does not plan to seek permission from other countries to supply its oil.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuba's Oil Shipment
What was the significance of the Anatoly Kolodkin's oil delivery to Cuba?
The delivery marked the first substantial oil shipment to Cuba in almost three months, providing temporary relief amid a severe energy crisis.
How did the U.S. react to the Anatoly Kolodkin's arrival in Cuba?
The U.S. Southern Command deployed Coast Guard cutters near Cuba, and the vessel's entry required implicit authorization from the Trump administration.
How long will the delivered oil last for Cuba's National Electric System?
The 100,000 tons of crude will only sustain the National Electric System for approximately seven to 14 days.