WILLEMSTAD – The gas tanker Gas Exelero was unable to load liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in Curaçao for delivery to Cuba and subsequently departed for the Jamaican capital, Kingston, in a renewed attempt to secure a cargo.
The vessel, sailing under the flag of the Marshall Islands, entered the Sint Annabaai on Sunday but left again after approximately nine hours. According to maritime experts, the tanker did not berth at the island’s petroleum facilities and therefore did not load any gas during its stay.
The unsuccessful call in Curaçao is not an isolated case. Earlier, the gas tankers Eugenia Gas and Emilia also attempted to obtain LPG in the region but ultimately returned to Cuba without cargo.
Supplying fuel to Cuba has become increasingly difficult amid rising international tensions. New measures announced by the United States threaten sanctions against countries and entities involved in fuel deliveries to the island, making suppliers more cautious. As a result, Cuba is facing a deepening fuel shortage.
The lack of LPG has led to reduced availability of cooking gas for households, while fuel shortages for power generation have contributed to an increase in electricity outages. These developments are placing additional strain on Cuba’s population and infrastructure, as the country struggles to secure sufficient energy supplies from abroad.