The United States has imposed new sanctions on Cuba in an effort to increase economic pressure on the government in Havana as the country faces a deep energy and economic crisis. The new measures, announced by the US State Department, include individuals and a state-owned company linked to the oil and energy sector.
Among the individuals sanctioned is Fidel Ernesto Castro, the nephew of former Cuban President Raúl Castro. The sanctions list also includes the Cuban oil industry supply import company, Abapet, which provides equipment and spare parts needed to maintain the country's energy network.
Experts warn that the new measures could further worsen Cuba's energy crisis. Brett Erickson, a sanctions expert, said the US objective is to increase pressure on critical sectors of the Cuban economy and make it more difficult to secure the equipment needed to keep the infrastructure running.
According to him, the Cuban government could try to circumvent the sanctions by finding alternative ways to obtain the necessary parts and equipment, but these alternatives would be more costly. This, according to the expert, could lead to further inflation and weigh on the country's economy.
Cuba's energy crisis has escalated significantly in recent months. Power outages have become increasingly frequent across the island, with some areas experiencing power outages for more than 24 hours a day. The aging electrical grid and fuel shortages have added to the hardships faced by millions of residents.
US pressure on Cuba has increased in recent months, especially after President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on countries that supply the island with oil. Meanwhile, the US has gradually increased sanctions on Cuban companies and state institutions.
Talks between Washington and Havana, held earlier this year, have now broken down, while punitive measures have been expanded. According to experts, the US administration may continue to target smaller and smaller state-owned companies, with the aim of limiting the financial resources and capacities of the Cuban government.
The US has previously imposed sanctions on Cuba's state-owned oil and gas company, adding pressure on the country's energy sector.
