Russia Moves to Supply Crude Oil and Fuel to Cuba Amid Deepening Energy Crisis
- Energy Channel Global
- 7 hours ago
- 2 min read
By EnergyChannel Global | February 12, 2026
Russia is preparing to deliver crude oil and refined fuels to Cuba in what Moscow has described as “humanitarian assistance,” according to reports from the Russian newspaper Izvestia. The move comes as Cuba faces one of its most severe fuel shortages in decades, raising geopolitical and market implications across the Caribbean region.
Energy Crisis by the Numbers
Cuba consumes approximately 37,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd), according to energy market estimates. As a net energy importer with limited domestic production capacity, the island is highly vulnerable to supply disruptions.
The last major Russian shipment to Cuba occurred in February 2025, totaling roughly 100,000 metric tons of crude and refined products an amount sufficient to cover less than one month of national demand under normal conditions.
In recent months, supply pressures intensified after:
Venezuela reduced or halted deliveries, reportedly under increased U.S. sanctions pressure.
Mexico suspended certain fuel shipments, amid trade tensions and tariff measures affecting countries engaging in oil trade with Havana.
The result has been widespread fuel rationing, transportation disruptions, and reported restrictions on aviation fuel supplies affecting international airlines.
Geopolitical and Regulatory Dimensions
The renewed Russian assistance underscores a broader geopolitical realignment in global energy flows since 2022. Following Western sanctions over the Ukraine conflict, Russia redirected substantial oil exports toward Asia and emerging markets.
Supporting Cuba now serves multiple strategic purposes:
Reinforcing a long-standing political alliance.
Expanding Russian influence in the Caribbean.
Demonstrating resilience against Western sanctions regimes.
However, the move carries potential exposure to secondary sanctions risks, including financial restrictions or logistical challenges involving tanker insurance and maritime compliance.
Market Impact and Regional Comparisons
Compared to larger Caribbean economies, Cuba’s structural dependence on imported fossil fuels is among the highest in the region. While countries like the Dominican Republic and Jamaica have accelerated solar and wind capacity additions, Cuba’s renewable deployment remains limited relative to demand.
Globally, island nations such as Barbados and Aruba have set ambitious renewable penetration targets above 50% by 2030. Cuba, by contrast, continues to rely heavily on thermal generation fueled by imported oil.
Short-Term Relief, Long-Term Structural Challenge
In the short term, Russian shipments are expected to stabilize:
Power generation
Public transportation
Industrial logistics
Tourism operations
However, energy analysts caution that without structural reforms including renewable expansion, grid modernization, and diversified import agreements supply volatility may persist.
Future Outlook: Energy Transition Pressure
The Cuban case reflects a broader trend: energy security is once again overtaking pure price competitiveness as a policy priority.
For small and import-dependent economies, this crisis may accelerate:
Distributed solar investments
Battery storage deployment
Microgrid development
Regional energy cooperation mechanisms
If sustained geopolitical pressure continues, Cuba may face a pivotal strategic choice: deepen reliance on geopolitical allies for fossil fuels or accelerate domestic renewable capacity as a sovereignty strategy.
Russia Moves to Supply Crude Oil and Fuel to Cuba Amid Deepening Energy Crisis