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U.S. intercepts $3 million worth of fuel shipments to Cuba as energy blockade tightens
CBS News • • nation
Key Points:
- The U.S. has intercepted 90 shipments of biodiesel bound for Cuba, valued at nearly $3 million, as part of an expanded oil blockade targeting fuel trafficking to the sanctioned island's energy sector.
- The shipments were destined for ENETEC S.A., a Havana-based fuel wholesaler sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury in July, violating recent U.S. export restrictions.
- Authorities seized approximately 620,000 gallons of biodiesel at ports in Florida and Texas, citing suspected violations of federal export laws including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
- This interdiction effort complements earlier U.S. Coast Guard actions that intercepted fuel shipments to Cuba, amid ongoing U.S. attempts to pressure Cuba economically and politically.
- Cuba continues to face severe fuel shortages and power outages, exacerbated by U.S. sanctions, while the Trump administration has not ruled out military options but prefers diplomatic solutions.
