The Trump administration announced on February 24, 2026, at approximately 11:00 PM UTC, that it will clarify to US oil companies they can legally sell fuel to private entities in Cuba, distinguishing between the Havana regime and the population amid the island's energy crisis, according to Bloomberg as reported by MagJorgeCastro on X. The Departments of Commerce and Treasury will issue guidelines for exporters and re-exporters, specifying that energy restrictions apply only to sales to the Cuban state, not private actors or individuals. This measure aims to prevent humanitarian collapse while upholding maximum pressure policy against the government, following Venezuela's supply cut-off and Mexico's shipment suspension under US diplomatic pressure. Cuba has authorized limited fuel imports by small and medium enterprises, but quantities remain small and restricted, per Bloomberg. The clarification addresses legal concerns for energy companies during the past three hours of the reporting window from 8:45 PM to 11:45 PM UTC.
