The Trump administration extended a specific proposal to the Cuban regime: fuel supplies and humanitarian aid in exchange for opening up Cuba's energy sector to private management.
A State Department spokesperson disclosed this offer to Martí Noticias, also countering Cuba's official stance that bilateral talks were at a standstill.
The fuel offer comes with a clear condition that the regime has formally turned down.
"The Trump Administration has provided the regime with distinct options to receive humanitarian aid, distributed through proper channels, and fuel if they privatize the energy sector. Unfortunately, they continue to prioritize state control over the welfare of the Cuban people," the spokesperson stated.
However, it was emphasized that President Trump has "many options" and will keep utilizing all available means to "drive economic and political reforms that would allow Cuba a brighter future."
Ongoing Negotiations Denied by Cuba
The U.S. official responded to Lianys Torres Rivera, Cuba's chief of mission in Washington, who claimed in a Bloomberg interview last Monday that negotiation channels between the two countries were "completely stalled" with no agreed agenda.
The State Department firmly countered: "Talks continue, and so far, the regime has not been willing to accept anything that could help the Cuban people and ultimately threaten their total control."
The spokesperson labeled Torres Rivera's statements as "propaganda." No details were given on who is involved in the discussions or when the last meeting took place.
Cuba's Energy Crisis Deepens
The proposal comes during Cuba's worst energy crisis in decades. In May, Energy and Mines Minister Vicente de la O Levy admitted that the island "absolutely lacks fuel, diesel." The only significant shipment received this year was from the Russian tanker Anatoly Kolodkin, which arrived in March with about 730,000 barrels of crude, enough for merely 10 to 15 days of consumption.
Extended blackouts, often exceeding 24 hours, are suffocating the populace. By 2026, the country has faced seven total electrical system failures, the latest on August 3, and a historic deficit of 2,341 MW recorded on July 8.
Washington outright rejected the regime's claim that the crisis results from U.S. sanctions, which, according to Torres Rivera, serve as a "collective punishment" and a "war without bombs."
"The energy crisis is a direct result of the Cuban regime's incompetence," the spokesperson declared, adding, "ordinary Cubans have endured blackouts for years while the illegitimate regime focused on hoarding fuel for its elites and reselling it in Asia for cash profits."
The State Department directly accused communist leaders of systemic corruption: "They hide billions in foreign bank accounts instead of investing in electricity, infrastructure, and responsible maintenance."
Key Questions About the Cuba Fuel Proposal
What was the Trump administration's proposal to Cuba?
The Trump administration offered Cuba fuel and humanitarian aid in exchange for privatizing its energy sector.
How did the Cuban regime respond to the proposal?
The Cuban regime formally rejected the condition of privatizing its energy sector in exchange for receiving fuel and aid.
What is the current state of Cuba's energy crisis?
Cuba is experiencing its worst energy crisis in decades, with prolonged blackouts and significant fuel shortages.
What does the U.S. claim is the cause of Cuba's energy crisis?
The U.S. attributes Cuba's energy crisis to the incompetence and corruption of the Cuban regime, rather than U.S. sanctions.