Cuba, between blackout and diplomacy: 2,010 prisoners released as crude oil runs low
Cuba will release 2,010 prisoners for Holy Week as U.S. pressure on the island intensifies, with fuel shortages and economic hardship mounting under increasingly severe restrictions.
The Cuban government called the move a "humanitarian and sovereign gesture." Those eligible for release include foreign citizens, young people, women, and prisoners over 60. According to official sources, the decision follows an evaluation of their conduct, length of sentence served, and health.
The release comes as the United States intensifies pressure on Havana. Since returning to office, President Donald Trump has decided to restrict oil flows to the island, contributing to severe fuel shortages and recurring blackouts across the country.
Cuba's energy system is highly exposed to import disruptions. The country relies on foreign crude oil to sustain electricity generation, and the reduction in shipments has directly resulted in grid instability and an economic slowdown.
Last week, a Russian-owned tanker carrying approximately 730,000 barrels of crude oil arrived—the first such delivery since early January—providing temporary relief. Trump said he had no objection to that shipment, but the United States had previously declared Russian tankers "banned" from delivering oil to Cuba. Trump said the broader restrictions remain in place.
The prisoner release is being heralded nationwide as part of Holy Week traditions, which Cuban authorities say historically include measures of clemency. It follows another release of 51 prisoners in March following talks with the Vatican.
Human rights groups estimate that hundreds of political prisoners remain in custody, with government critics subject to criminal prosecution.
For Cuba, access to fuel and stable electricity remain crucial to the country's continued functioning. Cuba will release 2,010 prisoners as U.S. pressure on the island intensifies, with fuel shortages and economic tensions rising due to tighter restrictions.
The Cuban government described the move as a "humanitarian and sovereign gesture." Those eligible for release include foreign nationals, young people, women, and prisoners over the age of 60. Officials said the decision followed a review of their conduct, time spent in prison, and health conditions.
The release comes as the United States intensifies pressure on Havana. Since returning to office, President Donald Trump has decided to restrict oil flows to the island, contributing to severe fuel shortages and recurring blackouts across the country.
Cuba's energy system is highly exposed to import disruptions. The country relies on foreign crude oil to sustain electricity generation, and the reduction in shipments has directly resulted in grid instability and an economic slowdown.
Last week, a Russian-owned tanker carrying approximately 730,000 barrels of crude oil arrived—the first such delivery since early January—providing temporary relief. Trump said he had no objection to that shipment, but the United States had previously declared Russian tankers "banned" from delivering oil to Cuba. Trump said the broader restrictions remain in place.
The prisoner release is being heralded nationwide as part of Holy Week traditions, which Cuban authorities say historically include measures of clemency. It follows another release of 51 prisoners in March following talks with the Vatican.
Human rights groups estimate that hundreds of political prisoners remain in custody, with government critics subject to criminal prosecution.
For Cuba, access to fuel and stable electricity remain crucial to the country's functioning, but the agricultural crisis, which has wiped out sugar exports, is making international supply complex due to the scarcity of hard currency. The issue goes beyond the purely political.
The article Cuba, between blackout and diplomacy: 2,010 prisoners released while crude oil is scarce comes from Scenari Economici .
This is a machine translation of a post published on Scenari Economici at the URL https://scenarieconomici.it/cuba-tra-blackout-e-diplomazia-rilasciati-2-010-detenuti-mentre-il-greggio-scarseggia/ on Sun, 05 Apr 2026 13:30:37 +0000.