As Politico notes, the possible introduction of a complete blockade on oil imports would mark a new stage of escalation, especially after Trump's recent statement about the intention to stop oil supplies to Cuba from Venezuela, one of the main sources of energy for the island. In early January, Trump also stated on social media: "Cuba will no longer receive any oil or money - nothing! I strongly recommend they make a deal before it’s too late."
Meanwhile, Cuba continues to experience a serious energy crisis. In the fall of 2024, the island faced widespread power outages, and residents stood in long lines at both gas stations and supermarkets. Cuba's economy, weakened by years of the American embargo, is in a deep crisis, which has become one of the most severe in recent decades.
For several decades, Venezuela has been supplying oil to Cuba at preferential prices, and in return, the Cuban government sends doctors, sports coaches, and security specialists to Venezuela. Politico sources link the discussion of new restrictions to the increasing pressure from Washington on Caracas and changes in supply conditions, which could worsen the situation in Cuba.
