Cuba's hidden fuel crisis: Ships stranded at sea for weeks

According to the 14ymedio portal, despite the Cuban government's announcement at the beginning of October regarding this vessel's arrival at the port in Havana, the ship has waited for unloading at the anchorage for 42 days.

Based on findings from 14ymedio and Radio Marti, the Cuban government, grappling with a severe energy crisis, has a very limited budget for fuel imports. Independent media have determined that this is the cause of the long waiting times for tankers at anchorages.

14ymedio reported a similar situation with the ship Eco Merlin, carrying 220,000 barrels of liquefied natural gas, which has been waiting near the Cuban coast for 50 days. The fuel shortage is exacerbating power and water supply interruptions on the island and heightening anti-government sentiments.

The portal reported that the Cuban authorities are hiding from the public the long waiting times for fuel transport ships to enter the port.

It was also revealed that the regime in Havana provided false information about the ship from Kaliningrad, claiming this vessel arrived on the island with a cargo of "vegetable oil."

According to Radio Marti, more than 80 anti-government demonstrations have been organized in Cuba over the past month due to widespread energy and fuel shortages.

On November 6, Hurricane Rafael caused a total blackout in the Caribbean, home to over 10 million people. Earlier, in mid-October, Cuba was cut off from electricity due to a power plant failure, and energy supplies were gradually restored over several days. Meanwhile, Hurricane Oscar also hit the island, resulting in the deaths of at least eight people.

The social and economic situation in Cuba is currently considered the worst since the revolution led by Fidel Castro in the 1950s. There is a shortage not only of electricity but also of essential goods, including food, medicine, and fuel.