Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla has dismissed remarks made by U.S. State Secretary Marco Rubio, labeling them as untrue. Rubio had alleged that Cuba was receiving free Venezuelan oil, a claim Rodríguez firmly denied.
In a video shared on his X account on Thursday, during an interview for the podcast Cuba Analysis, Rodríguez stated unequivocally, "This is entirely false, a lie."
Rodríguez explained that the oil was obtained under "normal international trade conditions," either through "medical service exports or purchases under terms even less favorable than market conditions," due to the "country risk" created by Washington's hostility.
The statement comes amidst a public clash between Rodríguez and Rubio, sparked by a new round of U.S. sanctions announced on Thursday. These sanctions targeted the Banco Exterior de Cuba, Fidel Ernesto Castro Calis — grandson of Raúl Castro — and four state-owned entities in the energy sector: Comercial CUPET S.A., ABAPET, NICAROTEC, and CEXNI.
Sanctions and Accusations
Defending these measures, Rubio accused the regime's leadership of profiting at the expense of the populace, stating, "The elites of the Cuban communist regime preside over a failed state where ordinary Cubans starve while the Castro family and their associates enrich themselves through sanction evasion and other illicit schemes."
Rodríguez fired back, accusing the Secretary of State of "lying about Cuba for two consecutive days" and condemned the sanctions as "collective punishment" and a "crime."
The Historical Context
The contention traces back to the Comprehensive Cooperation Agreement signed between Cuba and Venezuela in October 2000. This agreement facilitated oil-for-professional-services exchanges, primarily involving medical services, at market prices with preferential financing, rather than as a free gift.
At times, Venezuela dispatched between 53,000 and 115,000 barrels per day. Yet, Rubio has argued that Cuba resold about 60% of the Venezuelan oil to Asian markets, suggesting the oil effectively acted as a subsidy benefiting the ruling elite.
Impact of U.S. Policy
Following the capture of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces in January 2026, Venezuelan oil supplies were drastically reduced.
In April, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel admitted that Cuba had gone without external fuel supplies for four consecutive months, exacerbating the blackouts and shortages currently plaguing the nation.
Since January 2026, the Trump administration has implemented over 240 designations related to Cuba as part of its maximum pressure policy. Rubio summed up this strategy in August, stating, "Every time they create a new mechanism to try to escape the noose, we simply tighten it."
Frequently Asked Questions About U.S.-Cuba Relations
What are the recent U.S. sanctions against Cuba?
Recent U.S. sanctions have targeted the Banco Exterior de Cuba, Fidel Ernesto Castro Calis, and several state-owned energy entities such as Comercial CUPET S.A., ABAPET, NICAROTEC, and CEXNI.
How did Cuba obtain oil from Venezuela?
Cuba received oil from Venezuela through a trade agreement involving oil-for-professional-services exchanges, primarily medical services, conducted at market prices with preferential financing, not as a free donation.
What has been the impact of U.S. policies on Cuba?
U.S. policies, particularly under the Trump administration's maximum pressure strategy, have resulted in over 240 designations related to Cuba, significantly affecting the country's economy and resource availability.