Portuguese 
English 
Spanish 
3 min of reading 
1 comment 
Cuba Faces A Serious Oil Crisis After Losing Supply From Venezuela And Mexico. Rationing, Transportation Cuts, And The Risk Of Blackouts Put The Regime Under Unprecedented Pressure.
Cuba is once again experiencing days of uncertainty. The country, which already suffers from frequent blackouts, is now facing a severe shortage of oil and derivatives. This is occurring because shipments from Venezuela have been interrupted, and Mexico has also suspended its supply.
As a result, the Havana government has adopted drastic measures to try to avoid a total collapse of the economy and the electricity system.
According to data company Kpler, the country has enough oil for only 15 to 20 days, according to an estimate published by the Financial Times. Thus, the tension grows by the day.
-
Petrobras evaluates suspension of sales to distributors and considers canceling the cooking gas auction following guidelines from the Federal Government.
-
Lula reveals a masterstroke by Petrobras to undo a deal made by Bolsonaro, which involves the return of an important refinery that currently produces less than half of what was expected and makes Brazil dependent on international diesel.
-
A study confirms that the natural gas sector will reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Brazil by 0.5% and accelerate the energy transition by 2026.
-
Petrobras implements a severe adjustment and confirms a 55% increase in the price of aviation kerosene with a proposal for installment payments for the companies.
Cuts, Rationing, And The Fear Of Blackouts
To curb the consumption of oil and energy, President Miguel Díaz-Canel presented an emergency plan. The package includes reducing the workweek, partial operation of universities, and deep cuts in public transportation.
Additionally, the government has mandated that administrative activities be concentrated between Monday and Thursday. There will also be an incentive for remote work, reduction of hours, and even temporary layoffs.
In the transportation sector, the impacts are even more visible. To prioritize ports and airports, services for trains, ferries, and buses will be reduced. Private transport will also face fuel rationing.
In education, universities will operate in a hybrid regime. The decision, according to the government, follows the model adopted during the pandemic. Daycare centers and preschools may also have reduced hours.
Even tourism, essential for the inflow of dollars, has begun to feel the impact. The government declared that it needs to “ensure the sustainability” of the sector. However, hotels have already been closed, and guests transferred to other units, according to Bloomberg.
Oil Dependency Aggravates Blackouts
The crisis is even more severe because the Cuban electricity matrix relies heavily on thermoelectric plants powered by oil. Since last year, the country has been facing almost daily blackouts. Now, with less fuel available, the situation is likely to worsen.
The Minister of Energy and Mines, Vicente de la O Levy, stated that measures used in the past may return. He mentioned actions from the so-called “special period,” such as “the use of firewood and coal” in bakeries, which “are very suitable for the current situation.”
No Venezuela, No Mexico, And No Clear Exit
For years, Venezuela ensured the supply of oil to Cuba. However, these exports were blocked by the United States in December, shortly before the capture of Nicolás Maduro.
Mexico, which had been the largest supplier, also halted shipments to avoid reprisals from the U.S., confirmed President Claudia Sheinbaum.
Without the former Soviet Union, neither Chávez nor Maduro, Cuba is now seeking help from Russia. Vladimir Putin has signaled support. However, the country faces sanctions and the war in Ukraine.
“We are negotiating with our Cuban friends to find potential solutions to these issues. At least to provide whatever support we can,” said the Kremlin spokesperson.
Historian Ada Ferrer from Princeton University warned the New York Times: “This time it seems different.”
Do you think Cuba will be able to overcome this crisis without oil, or is the country heading for an even greater collapse?
Só se a federação russa ajudar.
Fora eles, ninguém tem força para peitar o tio Sam.