US ramps up fuel exports to Cuba's private sector U.S. suppliers have shipped approximately 30,000 barrels of fuel to Cuba's private sector this year, according to shipping data and documents reviewed by Reuters, indicating the Trump administration’s strategy to prioritize private businesses over state-run enterprises is gaining momentum. The shipments, which began in January, are part of a de facto oil blockade targeting Cuba’s government while allowing limited fuel access to its private sector. The U.S. has enforced restrictions on oil supplies to Cuba’s government since early 2026, following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and the subsequent cutoff of Venezuelan oil exports to the island. However, the administration has permitted fuel imports to Cuba’s private sector, which includes small businesses and independent operators. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio framed the policy as part of a broader effort to “put the private sector and individual private Cubans—not affiliated with the government or military—in a privileged position.” The volume of fuel imported by the private sector since February—around 30,000 barrels, or approximately 1.27 million gallons—represents a fraction of Cuba’s total energy needs. The country previously required about 100,000 barrels per day to power its infrastructure, but the private sector’s imports have grown steadily, with shipping records showing weekly increases. The U.S. has also blocked Venezuelan oil supplies to Cuba’s government and threatened tariffs on other nations shipping fuel to the island. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel reported that the country had not received any fuel in three months, though he did not mention private sector supplies. Meanwhile, container ships carrying a variety of goods, including fuel, have been arriving in Cuba from the U.S.#us #marco_rubio #cuba #miguel_diaz_canel #mariel_port
