US to allow Venezuelan oil sales to Cuba as alarm grows in the Caribbean
Al Jazeera
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The United States has announced a limited easing of its oil embargo on Cuba, allowing Venezuelan oil to be resold for "commercial and humanitarian use" in the country. This decision comes amid growing concerns from Caribbean nations about the destabilizing effects of Cuba's worsening humanitarian crisis. While the move is intended to address severe fuel shortages in Cuba, it excludes sales to Cuban military or government entities tied to President Nicolás Maduro's regime.
For decades, Venezuela has been Cuba's primary oil supplier under a barter agreement, but U.S.-led sanctions have disrupted this relationship. Since Venezuelan exports were curtailed by the U.S., and Mexico halted its shipments following U.S. pressure, Cuba faces severe energy shortages that have crippled power generation, transportation, and daily life.
Caribbean leaders, including Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, have expressed alarm over the impact of U.S. sanctions on Cuba, warning that regional stability is at risk. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the sanctions, attributing Cuba's economic collapse to its own policies rather than external pressures. He emphasized that any resumption of oil sales must not benefit Cuban government or military entities.
The move also reflects broader tensions between the U.S., Venezuela, and Cuba. While Mexico and Canada have pledged aid, Russia has hinted at possible fuel support for Cuba. The situation underscores the complex interplay of economic, political, and regional security interests in the Caribbean.
This shift highlights the delicate balance between addressing humanitarian concerns and maintaining U.S. policy objectives in the region. As Cuba's crisis deepens, it remains a critical test of international relations, with implications for global energy markets, hemispheric stability, and the future of U.S.-Cuba relations.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/26/2026