CubaSanctions – Cuba Challenges US Position on Oil Supplies and Terror List
CubaSanctions – Cuba has strongly disputed recent comments made by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding fuel supplies to the island, arguing that American policies continue to hinder oil deliveries and increase economic pressure on the country.
Cuba Questions US Claims on Oil Access
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez criticized Rubio’s statement that Washington does not interfere with oil shipments destined for Cuba. In a post shared on social media platform X on Friday, Rodriguez said the claim contradicts measures adopted by the United States that discourage countries from trading fuel with the Caribbean nation.
According to Rodriguez, a presidential order signed by US President Donald Trump on January 29 allows the US government to impose punitive tariffs on imports from nations that directly or indirectly provide oil to Cuba. He argued that such measures create significant risks for countries considering fuel exports to the island.
Rodriguez maintained that governments engaging in oil trade with Cuba could face commercial consequences in the American market, making it difficult for Havana to secure essential energy supplies. He described the policy as economic pressure directed not only at Cuba but also at third-party nations.
Fuel Shortages Continue to Affect Cuba
The disagreement comes at a time when Cuba is facing ongoing challenges in meeting domestic fuel demand. The country depends heavily on imported oil to support transportation, electricity generation, and industrial activities.
Official Cuban figures indicate that approximately eight fuel shipments are required each month for normal operations across the island. However, supply levels have remained well below that target during the current year.
Reports show that Cuba has received only one major crude oil shipment so far in 2025. The delivery arrived aboard the Russian tanker Anatoly Kolodkin and carried roughly 100,000 tonnes of crude oil, highlighting the country’s continuing struggle to secure regular energy imports.
Dispute Extends to Terrorism Designation
The latest exchange between Havana and Washington is not limited to energy issues. Cuban officials have also rejected Rubio’s defense of the US decision to keep Cuba on its list of alleged state sponsors of terrorism.
Rodriguez argued that Cuba’s inclusion on the list is based on political considerations rather than evidence. He said the designation lacks objective justification and accused the United States of maintaining the measure for strategic and political reasons.
The foreign minister further claimed that the continued classification damages Cuba’s economy by limiting financial transactions, discouraging investment, and increasing international uncertainty surrounding business dealings with the island.
Senate Hearing Sparks Fresh Criticism
Rodriguez’s comments followed remarks made by Rubio during a hearing before a US Senate committee earlier in the week. During the session, Rubio defended the Trump administration’s approach toward Cuba and supported maintaining the terrorism designation.
In response, the Cuban government accused Washington of pursuing policies aimed at intensifying economic difficulties on the island. Rodriguez stated that the comments reflected an intention to continue applying pressure through sanctions and other restrictive measures.
He also expressed concern about what he described as the acceptance of inaccurate claims during congressional discussions, arguing that such narratives contribute to strained relations between the two countries.
Longstanding Tensions Remain Unresolved
The latest dispute underscores the continuing political and economic disagreements between Cuba and the United States. Issues including sanctions, energy access, diplomatic relations, and Cuba’s designation on the terrorism list remain major points of contention.
With both governments maintaining sharply different positions, prospects for easing tensions appear uncertain, while the debate over economic restrictions and fuel supplies continues to shape relations between the neighboring countries