Overview
- OFAC authorized exports of gas and other petroleum products to Cuba under the Support for the Cuban People exception when destined to private individuals or businesses for personal or private commercial use.
- U.S. officials said license applications to resell Venezuelan‑origin oil for use by Cuba’s private sector will receive favorable consideration, with an explicit ban on any benefit to the Cuban state, military, intelligence services or armed‑forces‑run enterprises.
- Exporters bear responsibility to verify end users and document compliance with SCP conditions, and Commerce’s parallel guidance aligns the export rules for such shipments.
- Official guidance noted that fuel sent to Cuba would depart from U.S. ports even if the crude originated in Venezuela, a factor that may shape logistics and costs.
- Cuba’s deep energy crisis persists after Venezuelan and Mexican supplies ebbed, and despite the new channel, actual deliveries remain uncertain given licensing timelines, financing needs, major traders’ terms and Russia’s statement that it is studying fuel support for the island.