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The company Melbana Energy Ltd, based in Sydney, Australia, acknowledged that it has been unable to start exporting the oil it extracts on the northern coast of Cuba due to port issues, power outages, and adverse logistical conditions.
The company had announced in May that it would carry out its first shipment at the end of June, but it is now projecting to complete a test export before the end of the year, published Diario de Cuba.
According to the company, more than 30,000 barrels of oil remain stored, as progress is made in drilling the Amistad-2 well, with the expectation of increasing production and accumulating sufficient inventory to fill larger capacity vessels.
The company admitted that the electrical instability in Cuba forced it to divert its main platform to a gas well to supply power generation, which delayed the initial timeline.
It is worth noting that in 2023, it was reported that the independent company found "higher quality" oil at a well in the Martí municipality, in the Matanzas province, as stated at that time by the specialized site Upstream Online.
Operational challenges and agreements
Melbana has authorization to operate in Block 9, an area of 2,344 km² in the oil-rich strip of northwest Cuba, between Havana and Varadero, where 99% of the national reserves are concentrated. In this block, Melbana holds a 30% stake, while the Angolan state-owned company Sonangol controls the remaining 70%.
A market in crisis
Cuban oil accounts for approximately 44% of the national energy demand, and associated gas contributes another 8%, according to figures presented by Diario de Cuba, which closely follows this issue.
However, the country is facing one of the worst energy crises in its history, with power outages exceeding 20 hours a day in several provinces and a heavy dependence on shipments from Venezuela, Mexico, and occasional purchases in third markets.
Melbana's bet on expanding its production in Block 9 thus confronts an uncertain environment, where internal logistical issues, a lack of port infrastructure, and the national electricity crisis hinder any attempts to turn Cuban oil into a viable export business.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Difficulty of Oil Exportation by Melbana Energy in Cuba
Why is Melbana Energy facing difficulties exporting oil from Cuba?
Melbana Energy is facing challenges in exporting its oil from Cuba due to port issues, power outages, and adverse logistical conditions. These setbacks have delayed the export of over 30,000 barrels of oil that remain stored on the island.
What is the impact of the energy crisis in Cuba on the operation of Melbana Energy?
The energy crisis in Cuba has significantly impacted the operation of Melbana Energy, as the electrical instability forced a diversion of its main platform to a gas well to supply power generation, delaying its initial schedule.
How does Cuba's energy crisis affect its population and economy?
The energy crisis in Cuba is severely impacting the population, with blackouts exceeding 20 hours a day in several provinces, as well as the country's economy, which relies on shipments of oil from Venezuela and Mexico, in addition to purchases from third-party markets.
What percentage of Cuba's energy demand is covered by its oil and gas production?
The oil production in Cuba covers approximately 44% of the national energy demand, while associated gas contributes an additional 8%.
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