The Cuban-American congresswoman, Maria Elvira Salazar, has boldly asserted that the oil shipments reaching Cuba are not benefiting the Cuban people. This statement follows reports indicating that the island's regime resold 60% of the oil it received from Venezuela.
"Where are those who defend the Cuban regime now? Where are the voices blaming the United States while the dictatorship prioritizes its repressive apparatus over providing electricity to its own people?" the Florida Republican expressed on X.
She further declared, "As I've repeatedly stated, the oil arriving in Cuba is not for its citizens. It serves to support the military elite, the political police, and a system designed to suppress, not to light up homes or put food on tables. Power outages are not accidental; they are deliberate choices by the regime."
Reselling Venezuelan Oil
While millions of Cubans endure prolonged blackouts and a chronic fuel shortage, the Cuban government reportedly resold a significant portion of the subsidized Venezuelan oil it received. This revelation comes from a high-ranking U.S. official.
The details were disclosed to El Nuevo Herald, which published an investigation based on an undisclosed analysis by the U.S. government. The report indicates that between late 2024 and late 2025, Cuba received approximately 70,000 barrels of Venezuelan crude and derivatives daily, but subsequently sent around 40,000 barrels per day, about 60%, to Asia for resale.
A State Department official labeled this resale as "further proof that the illegitimate Cuban regime prioritizes its own enrichment," while ordinary Cubans suffer the worst economic and energy crisis in decades. "The Cuban people deserve to know why the regime stashes billions in foreign bank accounts instead of investing in electricity, infrastructure, and basic needs," he stated.
Escalating U.S. Measures Against Cuba
For years, experts suspected that some of the Venezuelan oil never reached Cuban power plants. Last December, U.S. forces seized a tanker from the so-called "dark fleet" off the Venezuelan coast. This vessel had transferred part of its cargo to a ship bound for Cuba before continuing to Asia, likely China.
The newly revealed figures significantly exceed previous estimates. Researchers and agencies like Reuters had previously calculated Venezuelan shipments at about 27,000 to 30,000 barrels daily, enough to cover about half of Cuba's oil shortfall. However, the new U.S. government analysis suggests the actual volume was much higher, with a substantial portion never reaching the island.
Trump's Executive Order on Oil Tariffs
This week, President Donald Trump intensified his maximum pressure policy against the Cuban government by signing an executive order declaring a "national emergency" and threatening additional tariffs on countries supplying oil to the island. This decision aims to exacerbate the existing fuel shortage, causing prolonged blackouts, transportation paralysis, and severe economic and social impacts.
Trump defended the measure, accusing the Cuban regime of posing an "unusual and extraordinary" threat to U.S. national security and foreign policy, citing its ties with Russia, China, Iran, and groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. Although he denied seeking to strangle Cuba, Trump remarked that the regime "cannot survive" under these conditions, as reported by the BBC.
The executive order seeks to deter third countries from selling oil to Cuba by threatening higher tariffs, expanding a strategy Trump initiated in 2017 by reversing the opening promoted by Barack Obama and reinstating strict restrictions.
As of 2026, Cuba has received a single shipment of 84,000 barrels from Mexico, equivalent to less than 3,000 barrels daily, according to Kpler data cited by The Financial Times. At this rate, the island would have reserves for only 15 to 20 days.
For years, Venezuelan oil not only covered part of Cuba's domestic consumption but also allowed the government to earn foreign currency through resale. With this supply cut, Mexico became the primary energy support, sending an estimated 12,000 barrels daily during 2025.
Trump's new order specifically aims to warn Mexico against replacing Venezuela as a key supplier, highlighted a source. President Miguel Díaz-Canel reacted harshly, accusing the Trump administration of attempting to "suffocate the Cuban economy" and labeling it as "fascist, criminal, and genocidal."
Understanding Cuba's Oil Crisis
Why is the oil reaching Cuba not benefiting its citizens?
The oil reaching Cuba is reportedly being used to support the military elite and the political police, rather than improving the living conditions for ordinary citizens. Much of it is also being resold abroad, particularly to Asia.
What actions has the U.S. taken against Cuba's oil imports?
The U.S. has intensified its pressure on Cuba by threatening additional tariffs on countries that supply oil to the island, aiming to worsen the already severe fuel shortage.
How has the Cuban government responded to U.S. measures?
The Cuban government, led by President Miguel Díaz-Canel, has accused the U.S. administration of trying to "suffocate the Cuban economy" and has labeled the actions as "fascist, criminal, and genocidal."