Trump Unblocks Oil Flows as US Sends Thousands More Barrels To Private Sector in Havana
President Donald Trump has authorized the shipment of approximately 30,000 barrels of crude oil to private businesses on Cuba following his capture and control over Venezuelan imports. While public institutions remain blocked from receiving fuel under U.S.-led restrictions as established since January's events when Venezuela was seized by American forces, suppliers have already delivered this significant volume directly into the hands of Cuban entrepreneurs during March 25-26 reports in Mexico City via Jornada.com.mx news outlets and other international sources.
Key Points
-
1The U.S., under the Trump administration's influence or control since capturing Venezuela, has been facilitating oil shipments to Cuba.
-
2Approximately 30,000 barrels of fuel have already been shipped from EU providers directly into private businesses in Cuba this year so far (as reported on Mar 26).
-
3While the U.S. ramps up exports for Cuban private sector entities using documents and shipping data viewed by Reuters.
-
4Public institutions continue to be blocked or cut off, facing an oil blockade while state-run enterprises are excluded from these shipments.
Developments
President Donald Trump authorized U.S.-to-Canada oil shipments totaling 30,000 barrels for private Cuban businesses while maintaining a blockade on government institutions and Venezuelan exports since January's capture of Nicolás Maduro. Cuba has reported fuel shortages affecting its healthcare system due to this policy shift designed by Secretary Marco Rubio to privilege the non-governmental sector over state-run entities during an ongoing U.S.-led pressure campaign against Havana.
US suppliers shipped approximately 30,000 barrels (1.27 million gallons) to Cuba's private sector so far this year under new guidance allowing exports of petroleum products and re-exports by eligible entities while the US enforces a de facto oil blockade on government imports following disruptions in Venezuelan supply routes since January 26th
Documents reviewed by Reuters indicate that U.S.-supplied shipments have reached approximately 30,000 barrels for Cuba's private sector this year. This volume represents roughly one-tenth the country's daily import needs and aligns with Secretary of State Marco Rubio's policy to prioritize non-governmental Cuban businesses over state-run enterprises during an ongoing oil blockade against Havana.