Russian tanker docks in Cuba despite US oil blockade

AP News • March 31, 2026 • general

Key Points:

A Russian tanker carrying 730,000 barrels of oil docked at the Cuban port of Matanzas, marking the first oil shipment to Cuba in three months amid a severe energy shortage.
The shipment was allowed by the Trump administration despite ongoing U.S. sanctions aimed at pressuring Cuba to ease political repression and liberalize its economy.
Cuban officials and residents expressed mixed reactions, with some celebrating the relief the oil could bring, while others questioned who would actually benefit from the shipment given ongoing shortages.
Cuba, which produces only about 40% of its fuel needs, has faced worsening shortages since Venezuela and Mexico halted oil shipments due to U.S. pressure.
The Russian tanker is under sanctions from the U.S., EU, and UK due to the war in Ukraine, but the U.S. allowed this delivery for humanitarian reasons, with the White House emphasizing case-by-case decisions without changing overall sanctions policy.

Trending Business