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Russian Fuel Tanker Reportedly Diverts From Cuba as Island Faces Deepening Energy Crisis

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A Russian tanker carrying up to 300,000 barrels of fuel was diverted from Cuba, dealing another setback to the island's worsening energy shortage, according to multiple media reports on Wednesday citing vessel-tracking data.

Tracking data from Kpler and LSEG showed the tanker Universal changed its destination from Cuba to "for order," maritime jargon for a vessel awaiting directions, after spending weeks idling in the Sargasso Sea.

The Russia-flagged vessel had loaded diesel cargo at a Russian port and was expected to help ease fuel shortages that continue to strain Cuba's fragile electricity network.

Cuba has struggled to secure fresh oil shipments after the US tightened pressure on countries supplying fuel to Havana and restricted Venezuelan crude exports to the island following the removal of President Nicolas Maduro in January.

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