This Thursday, the Cuban government retaliated strongly against the sanctions introduced by Marco Rubio targeting CUPET, the state-owned company responsible for the importation, refining, and distribution of fuel on the island. High-ranking officials condemned the measure as "collective punishment," accusing the Secretary of State of deceit.
Carlos Fernández de Cossío, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, was quick to respond on his social media account: "The leaders of the American administration display a disgraceful attitude by imposing collective punishment on Cuba. They feel compelled to lie, as does the Secretary of State, to present absurd excuses that justify depriving an entire nation of access to fuel."
Shortly afterward, Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla intensified his criticism of Rubio, attributing the sanctions to "ambitions of conquest, presidential aspirations, and the vindictive feelings of the elitist clique that propelled his political career."
Rodríguez Parrilla further accused Rubio of not relying on "prepared excuses from his State Department, but on the usual vulgar lies, representing the most aggressive, uncultured, and rabid among Cuba's adversaries."
In the comments following Cossío's post, diplomat Johana Tablada de la Torre joined the chorus of criticism: "It is utterly disgraceful to witness the impunity with which the Secretary of State deceives everyone while exploiting the Cuban people to try to subdue them and drag our countries into an unnecessary confrontation for domination and plunder."
Rubio defended the action by claiming that the regime has weaponized energy as a tool of repression: "The regime has stolen and hoarded the available fuel, using it for Castro's private jet, the security forces employed to suppress the Cuban people, to keep the lights on in empty tourist hotels, and to transport people in buses for fake protests," while Cubans "endured blackouts and waited weeks to fill their tanks."
The Energy Crisis Deepens
The sanctions against CUPET come at a time of severe energy crisis in Cuba, the worst the island has faced in decades.
Since January 2026, Cuba lost its Venezuelan supply following the capture of Nicolás Maduro and its Mexican supply due to fears of U.S. tariffs, leading to a record electricity deficit of 2,153 MW on May 13, with blackouts lasting up to 22 hours a day in Havana.
This marks the second major action under Executive Order 14404 in less than five weeks, following sanctions against GAESA on May 7, the military conglomerate that controls approximately 70% of the Cuban economy.
Impact on U.S.-Cuba Relations
The measure effectively nullifies the agreement that Vanguard Energy, a Coral Gables company, had signed with a Cuban import agency to send over 250,000 barrels of gasoline and diesel per shipment, described as the largest U.S. fuel shipment to Cuba since the Eisenhower era.
"President Trump envisions a new future for the Cuban people with greater freedom and economic and political opportunities," Rubio stated while announcing the sanctions. "Until that time, we will continue to undermine the communist regime's ability to use its energy trade to advance its corrupt agenda and violently oppress the Cuban people."
Understanding the Cuban Sanctions and Their Implications
What are the main reasons behind the U.S. sanctions on CUPET?
The U.S. imposed sanctions on CUPET as part of efforts to reduce the Cuban government's ability to use energy resources to oppress its people and pursue a corrupt agenda.
How has the energy crisis affected daily life in Cuba?
The energy crisis in Cuba has led to significant electricity shortages, causing frequent blackouts and long waits for fuel, severely impacting daily life for ordinary Cubans.
How do these sanctions align with U.S. policy towards Cuba?
The sanctions are part of a broader U.S. strategy to promote political and economic freedom in Cuba by targeting the resources that the Cuban government uses to maintain control.