President Donald Trump's administration intends to reassure US energy companies about the possibility of selling oil and fuel to private businesses in Cuba.
The US government will emphasize that the energy ban only applies to sales to the Cuban government, a US official revealed.
Most of the fuel imported into Cuba is purchased by the state, with Venezuela and Mexico being the main suppliers.
However, supply has declined as the US imposed oil embargoes on Venezuela and exerted diplomatic pressure on Havana's other allies in the region.
The United Nations warns that the US campaign is having an "increasingly serious impact" on the island of about 10 million people, affecting hospitals, public sanitation, water supply and food distribution. This global organization calls on all countries to end economic coercion measures.
In early February, the United Nations said that the shortage of gasoline and oil has also disrupted the government's ability to supply food. Schools, maternity homes and nursing homes are particularly vulnerable, "with the most vulnerable groups being disproportionately affected.
In recent months, the Cuban government has begun to allow small and medium-sized enterprises to import fuel under certain conditions, but these enterprises are only allowed to import for use and not for resale, and the quantity is still small.
Since the beginning of this year, the US State Department has sent 9 million USD in humanitarian aid to Cuba, including emergency dry food, solar lights and other goods. The US has provided direct aid to Cuban people through the Catholic Church, according to Bloomberg.
A US official noted that the move to clarify the scope of legal oil sales is part of President Donald Trump's administration's efforts to distinguish between the government and the Cuban people.
According to this source, the new US guidelines for exporters and re-exporters will be announced by the US Department of Commerce and the US Treasury Department.
This guideline will emphasize that the sale of fuel products to Cuban businesses and individuals does not require a specific license and is permitted by current law.
