March 30, New Delhi – A Russian oil tanker, subject to US sanctions, is expected to arrive in Cuba by Tuesday, despite an effective American blockade of fuel supplies to the energy-deprived island.
The Anatoly Kolodkin, carrying 730,000 barrels of crude oil, was located off the eastern coast of Cuba on Sunday.
Following Washington's oil blockade, President Miguel Diaz-Canel has implemented emergency measures to conserve fuel, including strict rationing of gasoline.
This would be the first shipment of oil to the island since January, providing temporary relief to a nation of 9.6 million people that has been grappling with a worsening energy and economic crisis.
Fuel prices have soared, public transport has declined, and several airlines have suspended flights to Cuba, impacting the country's fragile economy.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump had threatened to impose tariffs on any country sending oil to Cuba, but has now stated that he has "no problem" if Russia delivers oil to Cuba.