The U.S. government has paused a significant fuel shipment deal between a Florida-based energy company and Cuba. Vanguard Energy planned to send 250,000 barrels of gasoline and diesel from a Texas facility to Cuba, marking one of the largest such shipments in recent years.
Vanguard Energy reached an agreement with Cuban authorities. The plan included leasing facilities in Cuba to store the fuel upon arrival. However, once the details were released, the U.S. State Department intervened. They emphasized that a specific license from U.S. authorities was necessary for such a transaction.
“Vanguard Energy has not received any U.S. license for this transaction,” stated the State Department. “The Trump administration’s sanctions remain in effect absent specific guidance or licensing to the contrary.”
This action is part of the U.S. government’s strategy to increase pressure on Cuba by restricting its oil supply. Cuba has been experiencing a severe energy crisis, exacerbated since Venezuela, its primary oil supplier, stopped shipments following the overthrow of Nicolás Maduro in January.
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