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The decision by President Donald Trump's administration to ease fuel shipments to the emerging private sector in Cuba is part of a broader strategy to make the island increasingly reliant on supplies from the United States, aiming to enhance Washington's influence over potential political and economic changes in Cuba, according to a report by Bloomberg.
According to people familiar with the plan, the White House aims to use fuel access as a tool for pressure and negotiation amid the severe energy crisis facing the island, the outlet reported.
The measure would allow U.S. companies to export fuel directly to private actors in Cuba, a step that, according to analysts, could change the internal balance of economic power in the country.
The strategy aims to strengthen the Cuban private sector —which has gained ground in recent years despite significant state restrictions— while simultaneously increasing the island's dependence on American suppliers.
Officials cited by Bloomberg indicated that the political calculation is that, the more Cuba depends on energy supplies from the U.S., the greater Washington's leverage will be to demand gradual reforms.
The flexibilization comes at a critical time for Cuba, which is facing severe fuel shortages due to reduced shipments from Venezuela and Mexico, as well as prolonged power outages and disruptions in transportation and food production.
"Cuba is a nation in crisis whose leaders have suffered a significant setback with the loss of support from Venezuela and the cessation of oil shipments from Mexico," affirmed a White House official when asked about the mentioned strategy.
The approach of the Trump administration, according to the cited sources, does not aim for an immediate regime change, but rather to encourage gradual transformations in the economic structure.
The idea would be to allow the private sector limited access to fuel imported from the United States, under specific licenses that could be revoked if it is detected that the supplies benefit state or military entities.
In recent statements, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has insisted that Cuba needs "dramatic reforms" and has indicated that Washington would be willing to support changes that expand economic freedom and eventually political freedom on the island.
The measure comes amid discreet conversations between U.S. officials and figures close to power in Havana, as well as ongoing pressure on the Cuban government regarding its economic model.
The Trump administration has maintained key sanctions, but at the same time has sent signals that it might consider selective relief if verifiable reforms occur.
Fuel thus becomes a strategic instrument within the geopolitical landscape between both countries.
As the island confronts one of its worst energy crises in decades, Washington hopes that controlled access to vital supplies can serve as a leverage for influence without fundamentally lifting the framework of sanctions.
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