The U.S. Treasury Department has authorized companies to resell Venezuelan oil to Cuba, a move announced Wednesday, February 25, 2026, as the island nation faces a deepening energy crisis. The authorization allows firms seeking licenses to proceed with such transactions, according to guidance posted on the Treasury’s website.
The decision comes after a period of escalating restrictions on Cuba’s access to fuel. Venezuela, previously Cuba’s primary oil supplier, ceased shipments in January following a U.S. Military operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Mexico, another key ally, halted its oil exports to Cuba in late January, further exacerbating the shortages.
The current crisis has led to widespread power outages and fuel rationing across Cuba, impacting daily life for its citizens. Canadian airlines have suspended service to the island and are now focused on repatriating tourists. Some Cubans report experiencing a breaking point, struggling to secure basic necessities like food and power. Isben Peralta, a pizzeria owner in Ciego De Avila, described the situation as “not humane,” noting that even those with small businesses are struggling, while many others have no access to essential resources.
The U.S. Has actively sought to limit Cuba’s economic options, with former U.S. Ambassador to Cuba, James Cason, stating that the Trump administration aimed to “throttle” the island’s economy until the current regime collapses. The halt of Venezuelan oil shipments cut off approximately 26,500 barrels per day, covering roughly half of Cuba’s fuel deficit.
The shift in U.S. Policy follows President Trump’s warning to Havana that its access to Venezuelan oil and financial support is over, urging Cuba to “make a deal” with Washington. The U.S. Government has also confirmed the seizure of Venezuelan oil tankers during the operation that led to Maduro’s capture.
As of February 10, 2026, scheduled power outages were already commonplace in Cuban towns like Santa Cruz del Norte. The situation has prompted a surge in emigration as residents seek alternatives to the increasingly tricky conditions. The U.S. Treasury’s recent authorization for Venezuelan oil resale to Cuba does not indicate a broader easing of sanctions or a shift in the administration’s overall policy toward the island.
