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U.S.-Cuba fuel seizure and diplomatic dispute

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2026-10-09 01:53 UTC → 2026-10-12 11:54 UTC · added ~~removed~~

U.S. federal authorities, including Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Commerce Department, have intercepted 90 shipments of biodiesel destined for Cuba. Valued at approximately $2.8 million to $3 million, the fuel was intercepted at Port Everglades, Florida, and the Port of Houston, Texas. The enforcement targeted fuel intended for ENETEC S.A., a Havana-based state-owned wholesaler sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department. Officials cited suspected violations of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and Export Administration Regulations, stating the action is part of an effort to disrupt the evasion of U.S. sanctions. In response, Cuban Vice Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío accused the United States of using intimidation tactics against nations and companies that export fuel to the island. He characterized the interceptions as “piracy and looting,” asserting that fuel imports are legal under international law. The Cuban government has described these energy restrictions as “illegal, immoral, and criminal,” arguing they constitute collective punishment. Cuban Minister of Energy and Mines, Vicente de la O Levy, denied any government involvement in the intercepted shipments, stating that no Cuban state-owned company has secured such fuel contracts. Under a fuel blockade implemented in January, U.S. fuel shipments to Cuba are restricted to the island’s private sector, prohibiting deliveries to state-owned entities. While imports to the private sector have increased, officials state they cover less than 3% of the nation's total fuel requirements. These developments occur amid a severe energy crisis in Cuba marked by rolling ~~blackouts. While the fuel blockade has intensified, reports indicate that U.S. solar exports to Cuba have surged by over 1,000% in the first seven months~~ blackouts and shortages of ~~2026 as the island seeks alternative energy sources.~~ fuel, water, and electricity.

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