Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla leveled accusations against Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday, claiming he was "lying" by denying the existence of a fuel embargo against Cuba. Rodríguez argued that Rubio is the main architect behind this energy pressure policy.
Rodríguez took to his X account to counter Rubio's statements made from the White House podium, where the Secretary of State claimed that "there is no fuel blockade against Cuba as such" and blamed the island's energy crisis on the end of subsidized oil from Venezuela.
"He has simply chosen to lie. He contradicts the President and the White House Press Secretary," wrote the Cuban foreign minister.
Rodríguez contended that the reality is "undeniable": on January 29, 2026, Trump signed an executive order that threatens tariffs on any country exporting fuels to Cuba, and in four months, only one fuel shipment has arrived on the island.
"Our suppliers are intimidated and threatened, violating free trade norms and the freedom of navigation," the minister denounced.
Rodríguez also highlighted a new executive order signed on May 1, implementing secondary sanctions in the energy sector, and directly accused Rubio: "The Secretary knows very well the harm and suffering caused today to the Cuban people by the criminal fuel blockade he himself proposed to his President."
Rubio, who filled in for Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt—on maternity leave—during Tuesday's press conference, presented a radically different account.
According to the Secretary of State, Cuba received free oil from Venezuela and resold 60% of that crude for cash without benefiting the population. "You can imagine that nowadays, with oil prices as they are, nobody is giving away oil, especially not to a failed regime," he stated.
Rubio described the Cuban government as a "failed state" led by "incompetent communists" and warned that "things are going to change," though he did not announce any specific measures.
Severe Energy Crisis in Cuba
The energy crisis underlying this diplomatic exchange is devastating for the Cuban populace. Russian oil barely covers 10% of the island's energy needs, resulting in blackouts lasting up to 25 hours daily in more than 55% of the territory.
The only significant shipment received since January was the Russian tanker Anatoli Kolodkin, carrying 730,000 barrels, which docked in Matanzas on March 31 as a humanitarian exception. Internally, Cuba produces about 40,000 barrels daily against a demand of between 90,000 and 110,000.
This exchange occurs amid escalating rhetoric. Trump reiterated on Tuesday that he has "an obligation to do something for Cuba" after allegedly securing 94% of the Cuban vote, while Miguel Díaz-Canel recently invoked the "War of the Entire People" doctrine and warned of a supposed impending U.S. military aggression.
Rubio concluded his remarks with a warning that sums up Washington's stance: "We have, 90 miles off our shores, a failed state that is also a favorable territory for some of our adversaries. So it's an unacceptable situation, and we will address it, but not today."
Frequently Asked Questions About Cuba's Fuel Embargo
What is the current situation of Cuba's fuel imports?
Cuba is facing a severe energy crisis with Russian oil covering only about 10% of its energy demands. The island has received only one significant shipment since January, highlighting the dire situation.
Why is Marco Rubio accused of lying about the fuel embargo?
Bruno Rodríguez accuses Rubio of lying because he denies the existence of a fuel embargo against Cuba, despite Trump's executive order threatening tariffs on countries exporting fuel to Cuba.
How does the energy crisis affect the Cuban population?
The energy crisis results in blackouts lasting up to 25 hours daily in over 55% of Cuban territory, severely impacting daily life and economic activities.