Overview
- The authorization permits Venezuelan oil shipments to the Cuban people and private sector for commercial and humanitarian purposes.
- Existing sanctions remain in force against sales that would benefit entities tied to the Cuban government, military or intelligence services.
- Cuba is in a deep energy and economic crisis with repeated nationwide blackouts and fuel shortages that have shuttered universities and curtailed transport and work hours.
- The shift follows the January halt of Venezuelan deliveries ordered by President Donald Trump, and Mexico also ceased supplying Cuba the same month.
- Regional diplomacy is intensifying, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio set to join a CARICOM meeting focused on stability concerning Venezuela and Cuba.