US To Relax Ban On Venezuelan Oil Exports To Cuba

WASHINGTON, Feb 26 (Bernama-dpa) -- The United States said on Wednesday it would allow the sale of Venezuelan oil to Cuba for commercial and humanitarian purposes, partially easing a blockade that has triggered an acute fuel crisis on the Caribbean island, German Press Agency (dpa) reported.

The US Treasury Department said exports to the Cuban people and the private sector would be permitted under certain conditions. However, some elements of the sanctions regime remain in place.

Companies are still barred from selling crude to individuals or entities linked to the Cuban government, the military or intelligence services.

Washington has increased pressure on Cuba's Communist leadership in recent weeks. Since December, the country has received no oil from Venezuela after US President Donald Trump ordered a full blockade of sanctioned tankers carrying shipments from the South American ally. Trump later threatened tariffs against Cuba's oil suppliers.

In January, Mexico, most recently Cuba's main oil provider, halted its deliveries.

The total oil embargo has dealt a severe blow to Cuba's already struggling economy and its population. Acute fuel shortages have forced many Cubans to cook with wood and charcoal. Food transport has been disrupted, daily power cuts have worsened and buses and private vehicles are barely operating.

--BERNAMA-dpa