Russian diesel cargo appears headed to Cuba amid island’s deepening fuel crunch

A tanker carrying an estimated 40 million liters (10.57 million gallons) of Russian diesel appears to be heading to Cuba, according to ship-tracking monitor TankerTrackers on Friday, in what could mark another Russian fuel delivery to the crisis-hit island.

The shipment, if confirmed on arrival, would come as Cuba struggles with a prolonged energy crisis marked by fuel scarcity, rolling blackouts and pressure on transport, healthcare and agriculture.

Cuba’s Foreign Ministry said earlier this month that a Russian tanker had already reached a Cuban port with crude oil that it described as critical support during the country’s energy strain.

Moscow has recently signaled that it intends to continue supplying energy to Cuba.

The latest apparent diesel shipment would be especially significant because refined fuel can be used more directly for power generation and transportation, two sectors heavily affected by the shortages.

In recent weeks, disrupted fuel flows have forced Cuba to manage recurring electricity outages and broader economic disruption as authorities seek emergency supplies from allies.