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Russian Tankers Deliver Vital Fuel to Blockaded Cuba

3/19/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The two sanctioned Russian tankers are delivering oil and gas to Cuba amid a severe energy crisis caused by the U.S. blockade.
The tanker Anatoly Kolodkin carries 730,000 barrels of oil and is expected to arrive around April 4.
A second vessel delivers 27,000 tons of gas by March 23, and Cuba has not received new fuel imports for three months.

History

Historical Context

The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 triggered a severe energy crisis in Cuba, which had relied on Soviet oil imports for its economy. With the U.S. embargo further straining resources, Cuba's oil imports plummeted by 90%. Today, sanctioned Russian tankers, like the Anatoly Kolodkin carrying 730,000 barrels, are vital for Cuba's energy amid ongoing fuel shortages and geopolitical tensions.

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Story summary

The two sanctioned Russian tankers are delivering oil and gas to Cuba amid a severe energy crisis caused by the U.S. blockade.
The tanker Anatoly Kolodkin carries 730,000 barrels of oil and is expected to arrive around April 4.
A second vessel delivers 27,000 tons of gas by March 23, and Cuba has not received new fuel imports for three months.

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