[amberelle]

Seems stranger than the special period.

https://translatingcuba.com/more-oil-arrives-in-cuba-but-the-refinery-is-shut-down-and-gas-stations-lack-fuel/

More Oil Arrives in Cuba, but the Refinery Is Shut Down and Gas Stations Lack Fuel
14ymedio, Havana, 19 October 2023 — On 23rd Avenue, the most fast-paced in Havana, no vehicle was circulating on Thursday morning. In several corners, a crowd of Cubans wait for the arrival of the bus, which doesn’t come. Concerts are even canceled “for energy savings.” Signs of the crisis are everywhere.

[...skip ahead...]

the Delsa left at 11:00 pm this Wednesday, carrying approximately 385,000 barrels of crude oil,” says Piñón. In October alone, the Government of Andrés Manuel López Obrador has sent 800,000 barrels to the Island.

[...skip backwards...]

the refinery is shut down

[...skip forwards...]

Cuba continues to receive oil, and in significant quantities, from Venezuela, Mexico, Russia and other allies. What does the regime do with that fuel...

[Shaved Monkey]

Read recently after a visit to China Cuba is asking for direct flights and more cooperation to stimulate its economy

[theluckycountry]

The BRICS Admit Six New Countries but Reject 34, Including Cuba

...The bloc, composed of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, will be joined in January 2024 by Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates and Iran. The president of Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel, applauded the expansion and attributed to the bloc an unquestionable “authority,” but he did not manage to get the Island included in the organization.

Putin ...stressed by videoconference the importance of seeking a “single means of payment” for banking transactions among members. “It’s a complex matter, but in one way or another we are going to move towards the solution,” he summarized.

https://translatingcuba.com/the-brics-a ... ding-cuba/

I guess memories of the Cuban crisis run deep lol. No need to have a nation adjacent to the US fully in the other camp, Yet.