Cuban energy minister denied any link between the fuel shipments intercepted by the United States and Cuba, while warning that oil imports by private firms are insufficient to meet the country’s needs.
The minister said the seized shipments were not connected to Cuban operations, a claim that comes as the United States continues to enforce an oil blockade that has restricted Cuba’s access to foreign fuel for years.
He added that private firms operating in Cuba are importing oil, but the volume is too small to satisfy the island’s demand, leaving the government to seek alternative energy sources.
These remarks arrive as Cuba pushes forward with its renewable energy agenda, a strategy aimed at reducing dependence on imported oil and improving energy security.
While the government has not released further details on how it plans to bridge the shortfall, the minister’s statements underscore the challenges posed by the ongoing U.S. blockade.
<small>Source: Al Jazeera — read the original story there.</small>
