The US is loosening restrictions on the export of Venezuelan oil to Cuba. The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) at the United States Department of the Treasury announced the possibility of issuing licenses to companies interested in re-exporting oil from Venezuela to the island.
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The new regulations stipulate that agreements must “support the Cuban people” and cannot include entities affiliated with the Cuban military, intelligence or other government agencies.
According to the guidelines, recipients will be able to use the purchased fuel for both humanitarian and commercial purposes. However, American authorities emphasize that if oil is diverted to the government or military, the licenses will be immediately revoked.
See also: Donald Trump wanted to bypass raw materials from China. He just heard: no
The US president turned off the tap
Washington's decisions to blockade put Cuba in an extremely difficult situation. The island is almost completely dependent on imports of liquid fuels, which are crucial for the functioning of energy, transport and communications.
The US president threatened tariffs on countries that wanted to help Cuba. He argued that the government's actions in Havana “harm and endanger the United States.”
The last shipment of oil arrived in Cuba on January 9 from Mexicobut the country halted exports after threats from the Trump administration.
Island fuel lock was criticized by Russiaa long-time ally of Havana. Despite Trump's threats A Chinese tanker filled with Russian fuel was sailing towards Cuba.
Crisis in Cuba. “They don't have money. They don't have oil.”
Venezuela, the second largest supplier of oil to Cuba, interrupted supplies after its leader Nicolas Maduro was detained by US secret services on January 3.
As a result, electricity supplies, fuel sales and public transport were limited on the island, and employees were sent on forced leave. Refueling of foreign planes was also banned. Power outages reached up to 20 hours a day.
The blockade coincided with the worst economic crisis since the communists took power in 1959.
President Trump, asked shortly after the blockade was implemented about concerns that it would lead to a humanitarian crisis, replied that the situation could change if Cuban authorities “make a deal.” — I think they'll probably come to us and want to come to an agreement. Then Cuba will be free again. They will come to us and make a deal, Trump said.
— They have no money. They have no oil. Cuba lived on Venezuelan money and oil, and now none of it will come – he added.
