Cuba to keep limited fuel distribution

In view of rough situation due to non-fulfillment of several fuel suppliers´ commitments, Cuba will continue keeping a controlled fuel distribution, the Energy and Mines Minister Vicente de la O reported.

According to De la O, fuel suppliers have been facing up some pitfalls in purchasing called-for inputs for fuel production given present global economic and energy plights.

De la O claimed that in the case of Cuba, the issue is being worsened by the negative impacts of the U.S. blockade, imposed on Cuba, which makes it so hard for Cuba to get ships to fuel transport, financing, and fulfillment of requirements which are normal in contracts of this nature.

Given the lack of stable supplies, Cuba decided to distribute the available fuel in smaller amounts compared to normal daily consumption, in order to guarantee some supply level and not to reach zero-distributions which – he assured – will not happen.

De la O claimed this new distribution measure will continue in effect during April´s remaining days and May´s first days.

The situation is tending to improve as a result of negotiations that have been conducted and gradual reactivation of imports, De la O said.

He pointed out that one of major reasons for delay information to the Cuban people about present fuel situation was uncertainty about fulfillment of agreements reached with fuel suppliers.

Regarding the diesel situation, several fuel suppliers will begin to comply with respective shipments, so pivotal services and economic activities, such as potato harvest and food import extraction from ports, may be guaranteed.