Cuba Energy Minister: Russian Fuel Will Run Out by End of April

Cuba's Energy and Mines Minister Vicente de la O Levy publicly warned that the Russian oil tanker delivery of late March — approximately 100,000 tonnes of crude convertible to around 250,000 barrels of diesel (roughly 12.5 days of national demand) — would be exhausted by end of April. The minister anticipated continued fuel scarcity throughout May. Cuba's Foreign Ministry deputy minister Alejandro García del Toro confirmed recent talks with the US delegation occurred 'with respect and professionalism,' but characterized the US energy blockade approach as 'blackmail.' Cuba publicly demanded the blockade be lifted as a non-negotiable precondition for further diplomatic engagement. Eastern Cuba — particularly Santiago de Cuba, Holguín, and Granma provinces — continued to endure near-total 24-hour daily blackouts, while Havana received preferential fuel distribution.