Cuba Has Oil Potential, says Fidel Castro

HAVANA, October 3.- Cuba could soon become an oil-exporting country, affirmed former President Fidel Castro in a commentary published Friday in the Cuban press. The Caribbean country already sells some heavy crude that can not be refined in its installations. Ongoing joint venture exploration with foreign oil companies is what could turn the situation around for the island that imports an estimated 96,000 barrels a day from Venezuela. However, despite the possibility, Castro urges the nation to conserve on fuel consumption as part of an overall energy saving program.