Oil is delivered to Cuba

THE Russian vessel Anatoly Kolodkin has docked at the Cuban port of Matanzas laden with 730,000 barrels of oil, marking the first time in three months that an oil tanker has reached the island.

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The administration of United States President Donald Trump had allowed the shipment to proceed, despite the ongoing energy blockade by the US. Cubans including energy and mines minister Vicente de la O Levy cheered the ship's arrival.

A shortage of petroleum has exacerbated a deep economic crisis that has left Cuba's population mired in long blackouts and facing a severe shortage of food and medicine.

"Our gratitude to the Government and People of Russia for all the support we are receiving. A valuable shipment that arrives amidst the complex energy situation we are facing," Mr de la O Levy wrote on social media.

Cuba produces barely 40% of its required fuel and relies on imports to sustain its energy grid.