Amidst widespread power outages and a severe fuel shortage affecting millions of Cubans, the island's government is alleged to have resold a significant portion of subsidized oil received from Venezuela. This revelation comes from a senior U.S. official.
Details were shared with El Nuevo Herald, which published an investigation utilizing previously undisclosed data from a U.S. government analysis.
According to the source, between late 2024 and late 2025, Cuba received approximately 70,000 barrels per day of Venezuelan crude and derivatives. However, it reportedly redirected about 40,000 barrels daily—around 60%—to Asia for resale.
The State Department official described this oil resale as "further evidence that the illegitimate Cuban regime prioritizes its own enrichment over the needs of its people," who are enduring the worst energy and economic crisis in decades.
"Ordinary Cubans deserve to know the truth about why the regime hides billions in offshore bank accounts instead of investing in essential services like electricity and infrastructure," the official stated.
For years, experts have suspected that not all Venezuelan oil reached Cuba's power plants. In December, U.S. forces seized a tanker from the so-called "dark fleet" off the Venezuelan coast, which had transferred part of its cargo to a ship bound for Cuba before heading to Asia, likely China.
The recently disclosed figures far exceed previous estimates. Investigators and agencies such as Reuters had calculated Venezuelan oil shipments to Cuba at between 27,000 and 30,000 barrels per day—enough to cover about half of Cuba's oil deficit. However, the new U.S. government analysis suggests the actual volume was much higher, with a significant portion never reaching the island.
This scandal comes at a particularly critical time. Following the capture of Nicolás Maduro in early January and the collapse of the energy alliance between Caracas and Havana, Cuba finds itself nearly without its main oil support.
Meanwhile, oil tankers bound for Cuba have started diverting mid-journey, as was the case with the Mia Grace, which recently changed course to the Dominican Republic. Simultaneously, Venezuelan crude is once again flowing to the United States under new agreements, leaving Cuba out of the regional energy realignment.
The Impact of Oil Resale on Cuba's Energy Crisis
How does reselling Venezuelan oil affect Cuba's energy situation?
Reselling Venezuelan oil exacerbates Cuba's energy shortage by depriving the country of much-needed fuel resources, worsening power outages and economic difficulties.
Why is the Cuban government accused of prioritizing its own enrichment?
The Cuban government is accused of prioritizing its own enrichment because it allegedly redirects subsidized oil for resale abroad, while failing to address domestic infrastructure and basic needs.
What are the regional implications of the oil resale scandal?
The scandal complicates Cuba’s position in the regional energy landscape, especially as Venezuelan oil shipments are redirected to the United States, leaving Cuba with fewer options.