President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are scheduled to visit Port Arthur, Texas, this Tuesday to showcase a newly arrived tanker loaded with Venezuelan crude oil, destined for Texan refineries.
The Associated Press first reported the upcoming visit to the Texas tanker, citing two U.S. officials and a congressional advisor who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
This event directly impacts the Cuban regime. Venezuelan oil, which for years served as a crucial supply source for Cuba, is now being directed to U.S. refineries.
Following the capture of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces on January 3, 2026, shipments of Venezuelan oil to Cuba were completely halted. The last shipment reached the island on December 8, 2025.
Since then, Cuba has been enduring its most severe energy crisis in decades. Energy and Mines Minister Vicente de la O Levy warned that Cuba "will not have fuel available in the short term."
Interprovincial bus travel from Havana plummeted from 419 daily trips in 2025 to just 11 in 2026, highlighting the severe paralysis affecting the country.
The visit follows the announcement of a historic oil agreement in August 2026, which the Republican president described as "the largest in history."
This 18-page strategic partnership agreement was signed by Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. It was not made with the Venezuelan government but with North American Blue Energy Partners (NABEP), a private company linked to Venezuelan entrepreneur Alejandro Betancourt López.
Under the agreement, the U.S. would acquire 35% of NABEP with preferential rights over its production for 50 years, spanning 17 fields with estimated reserves of 65 billion barrels.
Trump's visit to the tanker in Texas is not the only event on his agenda. He also has rallies planned in Corpus Christi and Lubbock to support Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton, who is in a tight race against Democrat James Talarico, just a week before the November 3 midterm elections.
Rubio's presence on the tour is unusual, marking the first time the Secretary of State has joined Trump on a campaign trip since taking office.
The AP noted that "it's highly unusual for the country's top diplomat to engage in political trips," reflecting how Trump's second presidency has blurred the line between governance and campaigning.
The event in Port Arthur has been arranged amid heightened pressure from Rubio on Cuba. Recently, Rubio publicly urged Cubans to cooperate with the CIA, stating that Cuba "needs a very drastic change" and that its situation is "entirely different" from Venezuela's.
Impact of U.S. Oil Agreements on Cuba
Why is the Venezuelan oil shipment significant for Cuba?
Venezuelan oil was a major source of fuel for Cuba, and its redirection to U.S. refineries marks a significant shift in supply, exacerbating Cuba's energy crisis.
How has the halt of Venezuelan oil shipments affected Cuba?
The cessation of Venezuelan oil deliveries has led to a severe energy shortage in Cuba, causing drastic reductions in public transportation and overall economic stagnation.
What is the significance of the oil agreement between the U.S. and NABEP?
The agreement allows the U.S. to secure a significant stake in Venezuelan oil production via NABEP, ensuring long-term access to substantial oil reserves.