Cuba’s Fuel Crisis: A Glimpse of Malta’s Past?

As Cuba grapples with widespread blackouts and protests over a severe fuel shortage, Malta, with its own history of energy rationing, watches with a mix of concern and introspection. The Caribbean island’s crisis, sparked by a lack of diesel and gasoline, has led to hours-long power cuts, leaving residents to endure sweltering heat and plunging them into darkness at night.

Malta’s Echoes of the Past

Malta, too, has known the sting of fuel scarcity. In the 1970s, the tiny Mediterranean island faced its own energy crisis, with fuel rationing leading to long queues at petrol stations and power cuts that could last for hours. The memory of those times is still fresh in the minds of many Maltese, especially the elderly. “I remember the long lines at the petrol station in Msida,” recalls 75-year-old Joseph Vella. “We’d wait for hours, only to find out there was no fuel left.”

Cuba’s Crisis: A Perfect Storm

Cuba’s current predicament is a result of a perfect storm of factors. The pandemic has disrupted global oil markets, leading to a shortage of fuel. Meanwhile, the U.S. embargo, in place since 1960, has made it difficult for Cuba to import fuel. The recent explosion at the Matanzas Super Tanker Base, which housed 53% of Cuba’s fuel reserves, has only exacerbated the situation. The blackouts, which began in July, have become more frequent and longer in duration, sparking protests across the island.

Malta’s Response: A Tale of Two Islands

Malta, while sympathetic to Cuba’s plight, is also mindful of its own energy security. The Maltese government has been vocal in its support for Cuba’s right to self-determination, but has also emphasized energy sources. “We understand Cuba’s struggle,” says a spokesperson for the Maltese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “But we also know the importance of energy security. That’s why we’re investing in renewable energy.”

Malta’s Energy and Water Agency is currently working on projects to harness solar, wind, and wave energy. The island is also exploring the possibility of using natural gas, with plans to build a floating LNG terminal off the coast of Marsaxlokk. The contrast with Cuba’s reliance on oil is stark, and serves as a reminder of the importance of energy diversification.

Back in Cuba, the protests continue. The Cuban government has promised to restore power, but the situation remains uncertain. In Malta, the memory of the 1970s serves as a stark reminder of the importance of energy security. As Malta looks to the future, it does so with one eye on its past, and the other on the lessons learned from its Caribbean cousin.

“We’ve been there,” says Vella, looking out at the sea from his Msida balcony. “And we don’t want to go back.”