Cuba Slams Rubio Over Remarks on Alleged Fuel Blockade

Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla has strongly criticized U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio for denying the existence of what Cuba describes as a fuel blockade imposed by the United States. In a post on X on Sunday, Rodríguez accused Rubio of contradicting statements from the White House and ignoring the impact of U.S. sanctions on the island nation.

The Cuban foreign minister’s remarks came after Rubio stated during a White House press briefing on Saturday that “there is no oil blockade on Cuba, per se.” Rodríguez responded by alleging that U.S. policies amount to a “total fuel blockade” and questioned Rubio’s characterization of the situation, arguing that Washington bears responsibility for Cuba’s ongoing energy and economic difficulties.

Rodríguez further condemned what he called an “economic suffocation plan” against Cuba, claiming that U.S. restrictions hinder foreign companies from supplying parts, equipment, and technology needed for the country’s thermoelectric power plants. The exchange highlights continuing tensions between Havana and Washington over sanctions, economic policy, and responsibility for Cuba’s prolonged energy challenges.