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US Allows Russian Oil Tanker to Cuba, Easing Fuel Crisis Amid Sanctions

The United States is allowing a Russian government-owned tanker carrying 730,000 barrels of crude oil to proceed to Cuba, potentially easing the island's acute fuel shortage. The decision marks a shift from recent policy under the Trump administration, which had actively curtailed oil shipments to Cuba. The U.S. Coast Guard, with vessels in the region, did not intervene to stop the tanker, as no directive was issued to block it. This development follows a new U.S. general licence for Russian oil transactions that explicitly excludes Cuba, making the reason for allowing this shipment unclear.

Key Points: US Allows Russian Oil Tanker to Cuba, Breaking Blockade

  • Russian tanker carrying 730k barrels nears Cuba
  • US Coast Guard does not intercept
  • Decision breaks recent blockade policy
  • Temporary relief for Cuban fuel crisis
  • New US licence excludes Cuba, North Korea, Crimea
3 min read

US to allow Russian oil tanker to proceed to Cuba, breaking blockade amid fuel crisis, reports NYT

The US Coast Guard permits a Russian crude oil tanker to proceed to Cuba, offering temporary relief to the island's severe fuel crisis, reports NYT.

"no directive was issued to block the shipment - US official to NYT"

Washington DC, March 30

The United States Coast Guard is allowing a Russian tanker carrying crude oil to proceed toward Cuba, potentially easing the island's worsening fuel crisis, The New York Times reported, citing a US official familiar with the matter.

According to the NYT, the tanker, reportedly owned by the Russian government, is carrying an estimated 730,000 barrels of crude oil and was located just miles from Cuban territorial waters on Sunday evening, as per ship-tracking data.

At its current speed, the vessel is expected to arrive at the port of Matanzas by Monday night.

The NYT suggested the shipment could provide temporary relief to Cuba, which has been grappling with depleting fuel reserves amid an ongoing supply crunch.

The development comes against the backdrop of measures imposed by the administration of US President Donald Trump, which had effectively curtailed oil shipments to Cuba since January. The policy included warnings to countries supplying fuel to the island and, in at least one instance, intervention to divert a tanker away from Cuban waters.

Despite having vessels deployed in the region, the US Coast Guard did not move to intercept the Russian tanker.

According to the NYT, the US official said no directive was issued to block the shipment, and in the absence of such orders, the tanker was allowed to proceed.

The reason behind the decision remains unclear, and there has been no official word on whether similar shipments would be permitted in the future, as reported by the NYT.

Earlier, on March 19, the US issued a new 30-day general licence allowing the sale of Russian-origin crude oil and petroleum products, as global energy markets remain under pressure due to escalating tensions in West Asia.

According to a Reuters report, the US Treasury Department released a fresh waiver to replace an earlier licence granted on March 12. The new licence, which will remain valid until April 11, permits transactions involving Russian oil loaded on tankers as of March 12.

The report noted that while the main terms of the waiver remain unchanged, the updated licence explicitly excludes transactions involving North Korea, Cuba and Crimea.

It stated, "While the main terms remain identical to those in the licence issued earlier, Thursday's waiver specifically excludes transactions involving North Korea, Cuba and Crimea."

The arrival of the tanker is expected to provide short-term economic relief to Cuba, which has been facing mounting pressure due to fuel shortages and broader economic challenges.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
The common Cuban people shouldn't suffer because of geopolitics. If this oil helps them with basic needs like electricity and transport, it's a humanitarian gesture. But the US policy seems very inconsistent—one day a blockade, the next day allowing this. 🤔
A
Arun Y
This is a clear double standard. The US lectures other nations on following sanctions, but when it suits their own strategic calculus or when global oil prices pinch, they make exceptions. It reminds me of the pressure we faced for buying Russian oil. Every country does what it must.
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Sarah B
While I understand the need to ease a fuel crisis, allowing a Russian state-owned tanker seems to undermine the very sanctions the US promotes. It sends a confusing message to allies and adversaries alike. The policy needs more clarity and less ad-hoc decision-making.
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Vikram M
The waiver specifically excludes Cuba, yet they are letting this tanker through? Something doesn't add up. Maybe it's a quiet deal or an oversight. Either way, it shows how complex global energy flows are. India's stance of buying from wherever we get the best deal makes complete sense.
K
Kavya N
Temporary relief for Cuba is good, but what about long-term solutions? These geopolitical games using fuel as a weapon hurt ordinary citizens the most. Hope the situation stabilises for them. 🙏

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