Cuba is preparing to receive its first shipment of Russian oil this year as the Caribbean island continues to grapple with a severe energy crisis that has resulted in widespread power outages.

The oil delivery comes just days after Cuban authorities announced the government was operating primarily on natural gas, solar power and thermoelectric plants due to ongoing energy shortages. The country has been experiencing rolling blackouts and power grid instability for months.

The timing of the Russian oil shipment coincides with recent U.S. sanctions policy developments. The United States has issued a new 30-day waiver for the sale of Russian oil that includes specific exceptions for Cuba and North Korea, according to official announcements.

Cuba's energy infrastructure has faced mounting challenges in recent years, with aging power plants and limited fuel supplies contributing to frequent electrical grid failures. The island nation has historically relied on oil imports to meet its energy needs, with Russia serving as a key supplier.

The current energy crisis has forced Cuban authorities to implement emergency measures and seek alternative power sources to maintain basic services for the population of approximately 11 million people.