Fuel shipments from the US to Cuban private businesses, a drop in the desert that angers the exile community
From South Florida, fuel shipments are heading to Cuba. It is a low-profile operation that has gained momentum in recent weeks, before the decision of the Donald Trump administration to authorize the arrival of a Russian oil tanker to the island became known. The shipments—which recent reports estimate at about 30,000 barrels so far this year—are far from satisfying Cuban demand, but they have been more than enough to draw harsh criticism from the exile community among those who believe they could end up indirectly offering oxygen to the Havana regime.
TL;DR
- Fuel shipments from South Florida are being sent to private businesses (mipymes) in Cuba.
- Imports are handled by Cuban state-run companies, acting as intermediaries.
- These operations are licensed by the US Treasury Department's OFAC and must adhere to regulations.
- The shipments are criticized by some in the Cuban exile community and politicians who view them as indirectly supporting the Cuban regime.
- Experts state the volume of fuel sent (around 30,000 barrels this year) is insignificant compared to Cuba's daily demand.
- Rising fuel prices in the US are expected to decrease future shipments.
- The UN has warned of a potential humanitarian emergency in Cuba due to deteriorating living conditions and fuel shortages.