INTERNATIONAL

U.S. Allows Licensed Resale of Venezuelan Oil to Cuba

PUBLISHED Feb 25, 2026, 2:34 PM ET

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U.S. Allows Licensed Resale of Venezuelan Oil to Cuba

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 7

Center 86%

Right 14%

Sources: 7

WASHINGTON, the U.S. Treasury said it will authorize companies to seek licenses to resell Venezuelan oil to Cuba, allowing commercial and humanitarian shipments to the Cuban people and private sector while prohibiting sales to Cuban government, military or intelligence-linked entities. The change follows U.S. control of Venezuelan export flows in early January and halted Mexican deliveries; trading houses Vitol and Trafigura handle major exports and storage. The measure aims to ease Cuba's acute fuel shortages. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

By Neha R. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Early January – U.S. reportedly takes control of Venezuelan export flows after capture of Maduro.
January – Mexico halts fuel shipments to Cuba after a cargo arrival in Havana.
Feb 24–25 – Media report U.S. Treasury posts guidance authorizing licenses to resell Venezuelan oil to Cuba.
Feb 25–26 – Reports clarify permissions for commercial and humanitarian sales to Cuban people and private sector, with prohibitions on government-linked entities.
Late Feb – Trading houses Vitol and Trafigura identified as managing large shares of Venezuelan exports and Caribbean storage.

News Intelligence

This move could impact your wallet. If you're invested in energy markets or companies like Vitol and Trafigura, keep an eye on how this shift affects their bottom line. It's also a reminder of how international politics can influence our domestic economy.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 7
Right Leaning:: 1
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 6
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 86%, Right 14%

Who Benefited

Licensed international trading firms, Caribbean terminal operators, and Cuban private-sector actors benefited because the U.S. Treasury policy allows authorized resale of Venezuelan oil for commercial and humanitarian uses while restricting sales to Cuban government or military-linked entities.

Who Impacted

Cuban state-run entities and Venezuelan government-controlled channels suffered continued restrictions because sanctions still bar sales to government, military, or intelligence-linked entities, limiting official supply options and prolonging some fuel access problems.