US to permit Cuban oil imports from Venezuela amid growing regional tensions

US Eases Oil Embargo on Cuba Amid Worsening Humanitarian Crisis

The United States has announced a new policy allowing the resale of Venezuelan oil to Cuba, in an effort to alleviate the island’s acute fuel shortages. The move comes as neighboring countries express concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation caused by Washington’s oil blockade.

As part of this change, the US Department of the Treasury will authorize companies seeking licenses to resell Venezuelan oil for “commercial and humanitarian use in Cuba”. However, the policy does not cover individuals or entities associated with the Cuban military, intelligence services, or other government institutions.

The shift in US policy follows a 25-year bilateral agreement between Venezuela and Cuba, which has been disrupted since the US took control of Venezuela’s oil exports. Mexico had previously served as an alternate supplier but halted shipments to Cuba after the US threatened tariffs on countries that send oil to the island.

Caribbean leaders have expressed alarm over the impacts of the blockade on Cuba, with some 10.9 million people facing energy shortages and disruptions to power generation, fuel for vehicles, houses, and aviation. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated during a meeting of regional political group CARICOM that “humanitarian suffering serves no one” and warned that a prolonged crisis in Cuba would not remain confined to the island.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed that the humanitarian crisis was caused by the Cuban government’s policies, rather than Washington’s blockade. He emphasized that the sanctions would be re-imposed if the oil winds up going to the government or military.

The US pressure on Venezuela and Cuba has resulted in several fuel cargoes being undelivered since December, contributing to Cuba’s energy crisis. Mexico and Canada have announced plans to send aid to Cuba, while Russia is discussing the possibility of providing fuel to the island.

Source: Al Jazeera