A cargo of 400,000 barrels of crude oil has departed from Mexico to help alleviate fuel shortages in Cuba. The shipment, which departed on Monday, is expected to arrive in Cuba by the end of the week. This comes as Cuba has been experiencing blackouts and power shortages, with the country’s biggest generator failing earlier this month.
Mexico is one of the few countries that continue to export crude oil to U.S.-sanctioned Cuba, along with Venezuela. In the first nine months of this year, Mexico shipped an average of 20,000 barrels daily to Cuba, up from 16,000 barrels daily last year. Venezuela, the biggest fuel supplier to Cuba, has seen a drop in fuel shipments to the country, further exacerbating the energy scarcity.
Hurricane Oscar also hit Cuba this month, complicating recovery efforts. Although power supply has been restored, authorities warn that blackouts remain a risk. The Cuban government has reported losses of $5 billion last year due to the U.S. embargo and is in talks with Mexico, Venezuela, and Colombia for aid.
This development comes as Cuba continues to face economic challenges and struggles with energy shortages. The international community is closely watching the situation as efforts are made to address the country’s energy needs and support its recovery.
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