U.S. sanctions Cuba's state oil firm Cupet

On June 11, 2026, the United States imposed new sanctions on the Cuban state oil and gas company Unión Cuba‑Petróleo (Cupet) under Executive Order 14404. All assets and interests of Cupet within U.S. jurisdiction are blocked, and any transactions by U.S. persons or entities are prohibited.

The U.S. State Department and Treasury said the measures target Cuba's use of energy as a tool of repression, alleging the regime diverts fuel to its elite and security forces while the population suffers shortages. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Cupet’s assets were “illegally taken from U.S. owners” and that the sanctions aim to prevent the regime from exploiting energy for corrupt and militaristic purposes.

The sanctions also warn foreign firms that dealing with Cupet could trigger secondary sanctions. The action follows earlier restrictions on Cuban officials and is intended to pressure Havana to improve human‑rights conditions and move toward democratic reforms. Cuban authorities have not responded.