The U.S. announced on Wednesday that it will allow the sale of Venezuelan oil to Cuba for commercial and humanitarian purposes, partially easing the blockade that has caused a severe fuel crisis in communist-run Cuba, LETA reported citing DPA.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury has announced that the export of oil for the Cuban population and private sector will be permitted under certain conditions; however, some elements of the sanctions regime remain in effect.
Companies are still prohibited from selling crude oil to individuals or entities connected to the Cuban government, military, or intelligence services.
In recent weeks, Washington has intensified pressure on the communist leadership of Cuba. Since December, Cuba has not received oil from Venezuela, as U.S. President Donald Trump ordered a complete blockade of sanctioned tankers carrying oil from Venezuela. Later, Trump threatened to impose tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba.
Mexico, which has recently been the main supplier of oil to Cuba, halted these shipments in January.
The complete oil embargo has dealt a heavy blow to Cuba's economy and its residents. Due to fuel shortages, many Cubans are forced to use wood and charcoal for cooking. Food supplies have been disrupted, power outages have increased, and public and private transportation is virtually non-functional.
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