Cuba readies for first Russian oil shipment of the year as energy crisis deepens

NPR
by The Associated Press
March 20, 2026
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1 min read

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Cuba prepares to receive Russian oil shipment as energy crisis deepens and power outages force reliance on alternative sources.

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Cuba is preparing to receive its first Russian oil shipment of the year as the island nation struggles with an escalating energy crisis. The government recently announced it was operating on natural gas, solar power, and thermoelectric plants due to severe power outages. The incoming Russian crude arrives as Cuba's energy infrastructure continues to deteriorate, forcing reliance on alternative power sources to maintain basic operations.

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