Mexican media confirm the departure from the Aztec port of a Cuban ship with at least 400,000 barrels of fuel heading to Cuba in the midst of the energy crisis. It would arrive at the end of this week.
The Cuban-flagged ship Vilma is expected on the island at the end of this week, loaded with at least 400,000 barrels of crude oil, reported this Monday in the Aztec newspaper El Economista.
This supply is part of the energy aid that Mexico has provided to Cuba since last year, complementing the shipment of Venezuelan oil and fuels, which constitute the majority of Cuban energy imports.
In mid-September, Mexico sent a shipment of Olmeca crude oil to the port that supplies the Cienfuegos refinery, one of the key points for processing crude oil arriving from Mexico.
According to official data, from January to September, Mexico has supplied an average of 20,000 barrels per day (bpd) of fuel to Cuba, although the total volume for the year is estimated at 16,000 bpd of crude oil and refined products.
Mexico sends more fuel to Cuba this week
Fuel shipments from Mexico to Cuba are carried out by a subsidiary of Pemex (Petróleos de México), which, according to this medium, are executed through contracts in Mexican pesos and at market prices.
This support was promoted by former president Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who provided support to Cuba in different ways, including the supply of oil. The current president Claudia Sheinbaum has shown willingness to maintain this aid, continuing energy cooperation.
Cuba’s energy context is complex; The island’s thermoelectric plants have reached a critical point due to the reduction in oil imports, mainly from Venezuela and Russia. Furthermore, their obsolescence is almost total, since they have been without capital maintenance for decades, as they have been due to their age.
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**Interview with Energy Analyst Dr. Lucia Torres**
**Editor:** Welcome, Dr. Torres. Recent reports indicate that a Cuban-flagged ship, the Vilma, is en route to Cuba carrying at least 400,000 barrels of crude oil. Given Cuba’s current energy crisis, how significant is this shipment for the country?
**Dr. Torres:** Thank you for having me. The arrival of the Vilma with such a substantial quantity of crude oil is indeed significant for Cuba, especially considering the energy crisis it has been facing. This shipment could provide much-needed relief, allowing for the resumption of electricity generation and other essential services that have been disrupted due to fuel shortages.
**Editor:** What factors do you think prompted this shipment at this particular time?
**Dr. Torres:** Several factors are in play. Firstly, Cuba has been grappling with sanctions and economic challenges, making it difficult to secure fuel supplies. The recent cooperation with allies, including Venezuela and the backing of logistical networks, has likely enabled this shipment of oil. Additionally, the timing coincides with increased domestic demand as the country prepares to gear up operations after facing prolonged blackouts.
**Editor:** How might this shipment impact the broader economic situation in Cuba?
**Dr. Torres:** The impact could be quite profound. If the oil is utilized effectively, it could stabilize electricity supply, which in turn would facilitate economic activities and help improve living conditions for residents. However, the longer-term recovery will depend on Cuba’s ability to secure more consistent fuel supplies and address underlying economic issues, such as infrastructure and production capabilities.
**Editor:** Are there any potential risks or concerns surrounding this shipment?
**Dr. Torres:** Yes, there are concerns. First, the dependence on external shipments for energy security is a vulnerability that can be exploited. Additionally, geopolitical tensions and the ever-changing dynamics of international relations, especially within energy markets, could affect future supplies. Lastly, there’s always the risk of mismanagement or corruption in how these resources are allocated.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Torres, for your insights on this timely issue. We look forward to following the developments regarding the Vilma’s arrival and its impact on Cuba.
**Dr. Torres:** Thank you for having me. I look forward to seeing how this situation unfolds.
