US Imposes Sanctions on Cuba's State Oil Company, Intensifying Pressure on Energy Sector
The United States announced sanctions on Cuba's main state-owned oil company, CUPET, prohibiting US-related companies and individuals from conducting financial transactions with it. This move intensifies pressure on Cuba's energy sector, exacerbating the country's severe economic and energy crisis, leading to prolonged blackouts and shortages.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: June 12, 2026 at 16:04
- 🔍 Collected: June 12, 2026 at 16:20 (16 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 12, 2026 at 16:21 (0 min after Collected)
(Central News Agency, Washington, 11th, Comprehensive Foreign News) The United States today announced sanctions on Cuba's main state-owned oil company, intensifying pressure on Cuba's energy sector. This move has left Cuba paralyzed.
According to AFP, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement: "Today, I am imposing sanctions on Cuba's state-owned oil and gas company, CUPET, whose key assets were illegally expropriated from US owners years ago."
This action prohibits US-related companies and individuals from conducting any financial transactions with the Cuban oil company. The company controls the extraction of Cuba's crude oil fields, as well as refining and distribution operations.
The Cuban government stated yesterday that the US oil blockade, which has crippled the island, is hindering the United Nations from distributing 170 containers of humanitarian aid supplies.
After Washington ousted then-Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro through military action, US President Trump cut off oil supplies from Venezuela, the main supplier, to Cuba in January.
Trump said he wants to end more than 60 years of communist rule in Cuba and threatened to impose similar sanctions on other countries if they provide aid to Cuba.
Since January, only one oil tanker from Russia has successfully arrived.
This blockade, coupled with the expansion of US sanctions punishing companies that do business with the Cuban government, has exacerbated the worst economic and energy crisis Cuba has seen in more than a generation.
Recently, some areas of Havana experienced blackouts lasting up to 30 hours, and supplies of food, running water, and medicine are increasingly scarce. (Editor: Li Peishan) 1150612
According to AFP, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement: "Today, I am imposing sanctions on Cuba's state-owned oil and gas company, CUPET, whose key assets were illegally expropriated from US owners years ago."
This action prohibits US-related companies and individuals from conducting any financial transactions with the Cuban oil company. The company controls the extraction of Cuba's crude oil fields, as well as refining and distribution operations.
The Cuban government stated yesterday that the US oil blockade, which has crippled the island, is hindering the United Nations from distributing 170 containers of humanitarian aid supplies.
After Washington ousted then-Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro through military action, US President Trump cut off oil supplies from Venezuela, the main supplier, to Cuba in January.
Trump said he wants to end more than 60 years of communist rule in Cuba and threatened to impose similar sanctions on other countries if they provide aid to Cuba.
Since January, only one oil tanker from Russia has successfully arrived.
This blockade, coupled with the expansion of US sanctions punishing companies that do business with the Cuban government, has exacerbated the worst economic and energy crisis Cuba has seen in more than a generation.
Recently, some areas of Havana experienced blackouts lasting up to 30 hours, and supplies of food, running water, and medicine are increasingly scarce. (Editor: Li Peishan) 1150612
FAQ
Why did the US sanction Cuba's oil company?
Because CUPET's assets were illegally expropriated from US companies, and to weaken the Cuban communist regime.
What are the specific details of the sanctions?
They prohibit US-related companies and individuals from conducting financial transactions with CUPET.
What is happening in Cuba as a result of these sanctions?
A severe energy crisis has led to blackouts lasting up to 30 hours and shortages of food, water, and medicine.