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Cuba says Rubio lying about oil blockade
Cuba accuses U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio of lying about an oil blockade after Rubio denied one existed. The dispute unfolds amid Cuba's energy crisis and recent U.S. actions affecting oil shipments, including sanctions and a Russian tanker arrival.
Why It Matters
The exchange highlights tensions over Cuba's oil supplies and shifting U.S. policy on energy shipments and sanctions.
Timeline
5 Events
Rodriguez condemns Rubio on X
May 5, 2026
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez wrote on X that Rubio "has simply chosen to lie," and that he "contradicts the President and the White House Spokesperson."
Rubio's White House remarks on oil blockade
May 5, 2026
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, guest-hosting the White House press briefing, said, "There's no oil blockade on Cuba, per se" and described Cuba's former arrangement with Venezuela, remarking that "the only blockade that's happened is the Cubans have decided, I mean, the Venezuelans have decided we're not giving you free oil anymore."
Sanctions on Cuba's energy sector announced
May 1, 2026
Donald Trump announced additional sanctions against Cuba's energy sector.
Russian oil tanker arrives in Cuba
March 31, 2026
The article notes that Washington has allowed the arrival, at the end of March, of a Russian oil tanker; Donald Trump described it as a one-off shipment.
Cuba's energy crisis begins
January 2026
Cuba begins experiencing an energy crisis, linked to January developments including U.S. actions against Nicolas Maduro and threats of tariffs on countries that send crude to the island.